Inject life to MIC's struggles, PM tells new leadership

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdullah getting a warm welcome from MIC President Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam and Deputy President Datuk Seri S.K. Devamany at 67th MIC General Meeting 2015 in MAPS, Serdang.

SERDANG: With a new leadership at the helm, MIC must adopt real change with a clear sense of direction, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

The prime minister said MIC leaders must be committed and dedicated to helping Indians of all caste and be seen as a party for all Malaysians.

"My wish is for the new MIC to inject new life into the party's struggles instead of just assuming a cosmetic change.

"They should go to the ground, listen to the people and find out their problems.

"I also urge them to be magnanimous and incorporate the losers and minorities members as true leaders of the community," Najib said in his speech at the opening of MIC's 67th annual general meeting here.

Najib said party members "should stick" with Barisan Nasional, using the term "nambikei" to stress his point and it was the Government's responsibility to look after the welfare of all.

"We have specific programmes and agenda for all communities.

"This is something nobody can dispute," he said adding that some decisions had to be made although it was unpopular.

Najib said Barisan would continue to carry out policies which could benefit all Malaysians without "playing politics all the time."

"I may not be able to solve all problems but be assured of my sincerity to help all Malaysians," he said.

In his speech, MIC president Datuk Seri S. Subramaniam called for the banning of the word "pendatang." 

Subramaniam said it hurts the Indians and Chinese to be addressed as such.

"We are born here and are not immigrants but true Malaysian citizens.

"Stern action must be taken against anyone regardless of positions and status who disrupt this muhibbah spirit," he said.