Samy Vellu brushes off political aspirations of Hindraf

Kuala Lumpur, May 15 (ANI): Malaysian Indian Congress president S. Samy Vellu has brushed off the political aspirations of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf).

He said in 64 years of MIC's existence, many quarters claiming to champion the cause of the Indian community had come and gone.

"So many Indian parties have come, talked and were dismissed," Samy Vellu said after the launch of MIC's web portal here.

The Star quoted him as saying that despite emergence of various Indian political parties in Malaysia over the years, the MIC continued to remain strong. "Anybody can form a political party, it will not be a threat."

Samy Vellu said Hindraf, which is seeking to turn itself into a legitimate political party, could not gauge its popular support from the demonstrations it had led.

He said the MIC was now more open in its dealings with the Indian community.

The former Works Minister did not close the door to talks with Hindraf. "I will not say it will amount to a dialogue but we are willing to talk."

Samy Vellu said the MIC was looking to building a new party headquarters in Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya. It will consist of two 23-storey blocks.

"The building will be based on a green technology concept and will also have Multimedia Super Corridor status." (ANI)