'Too many political parties dividing Malay Indian community'

Kuala Lumpur, June 9 (ANI): Malay-Indian community leaders have expressed concern over the presence of too many political parties claiming representation of the eight percent Indian population in Malaysia.

The Malaysian Indian United Party was formed last year, while two Indian political parties were launched this year, including the Makkal Sakthi Malaysia Party.

At least six more Indian groups are waiting for the Registrar of Societies to approve their application to form parties.

Addressing a forum of the Indian undergraduates from about 40 universities and colleges in University Malaya, Petra Group CEO Vinod Sekhar said the presence of too many political parties may result in dividing and alienating the Malay Indian community.

"There is simply too much politics in our community and there are too many political factions and leaders claiming to speak for the community," The Star Online quoted him, as saying.

"We are not developing confidence as a community as leaders and being part of a dynamic and growing nation," he added.

The participants argued that not only are the emergence of new Indian political parties a worrying trend, there is a split in existing parties with rival factions each claiming to be the president and "owner" of the party.

"While our parents worry about scholarships, jobs and our future, our political leaders are busy fighting each other at our expense," a student said.

Sekhar intended to set up the Malaysian Indian Reform Movement, which was an apolitical movement, dedicated to discussion, debate and finding solutions for the community."They can't have any political leanings but are concerned for our community to discuss and find solutions. We need a platform where all Indians can come together without rancour to spark a revival and renaissance in the Indian community," he said. (ANI)