'Too many Malay-Indian political parties will make Indians suffer'

Seremban (Malaysia), July 20 (ANI): Malaysian Indian Congress President S. Samy Vellu has said that the formation of too many political parties representing Malay Indians will only harm the community.

"Many of those who form these smaller parties are doing so for their personal interest only. These 'hard nuts' can go on forming parties but in the end, it will be the Indians who suffer," the New Straits Times reports

He added that things have changed since the 2007 protest by the outlawed Hindraf, and a majority of those who had left the MIC to join opposition parties have begun to return.

"We are confident that at least 70 to 80 per cent of the Indians are still behind the Barisan Nasional. Only a faction are still in the opposition and we are confident that in due time, they too will return," he said.

Samy Vellu said even a number of those who were part of the Hindraf demonstrations in 2007 had met him and expressed hope that the MIC would be able to effectively represent their interests in the government.

Referring to various small parties claiming represent the Indian community had been formed and failed in the past.

"I am confident that these new parties will suffer the same fate. The formation of so many parties simply will not work. This trend will eventually lead to the downfall of the community," he said.

Samy Vellu also informed that various MIC service centres would be set up in all states to address various issues, including welfare, education and housing, while the bigger issues would be forwarded to the party headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. (ANI)