Malaysian PM ready to resolve MIC issues

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 11: Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has said he is willing to work with any group in order to address the problems faced by the Malay Indian community.

"There are some serious problems in respect of the Indian community and these are genuine problems which need to be addressed. We will work with all, political parties in and outside the Barisan including NGOs, to resolve them," the Star Online quoted Razak, as saying.

Razak also rejected the idea that the formation of a new Indian party, Thanenthiran, would weaken the MIC in the Barisan Nasanal coalition.

"No, it is not as it seems. These people want to support Barisan, my leadership and the Government but they are not ready to be in the MIC and they want to form their own political party," he said.

Najib also denied suggestions that he had instigated the formation of the MMSP, but said it would be good for Indian-based political parties to consolidate to form a bigger entity. MMSP president RS Thanenthiran said that his party would soon apply to join Barisan.

"The Indians need an alternative party in Barisan so that their issues can be solved. If MIC leaders had done their job well, do you think Makkal Sakti would exist?" he said.

ANI