I share the sentiments expressed by LCH and call upon the brave voters of Sungai Siput to take 'affirmative action' to vote out Samy Vellu who has overstayed in his position for too long. This is the best gift the voters of that town can accord to the Indian community of Malaysia.

The Indians in the country have been neglected, sidelined and abandoned by the Barisan National government due to the lack of formidable leadership in the MIC. The party for Indians, as well as the government, has largely ignored the plight and welfare of the community, especially at the grassroot level.

For the past 20 years, the MIC has been led by a group of corrupt and self-serving individuals who have failed to raise the standards of living of a community that played a vital role in both the pre- and post-war development of the nation. However, today a vast majority of Indians are saddled with socio-economic problems, discrimination and low standards of living. Sadly, the community is a dying breed with neither economic nor political muscle.

What the community needs now is a new group of dynamic leaders in the MIC who can revive the aspirations of the community and lead the Indians to greater heights.

So, to the voters of Sungai Siput, may the force be with you.