As the election heat picks up, I as an Indian stand disillusioned. First came the shock of S Subramaniam's sacking . Then came a further shock of retained old faces in the MIC line-up. Some new faces have nevertheless infused some hope but a thug standing for a state seat? (That was what I heard. Evidence is usually hard to come by, much of it evaporates the moment a person is 'selected')

The big picture here is simple. Indians have the democracy to vote but not to select their candidates. Samy Vellu has no regard for grassroots sentiments.

However, what has the MIC done to uplift the socio-economic status of Indians? I made a quick check with my professional friends. None of them owe their success to the MIC.

There are also problems with Indians being oppressed, living in poverty, with gangsterism, with poor access to basic needs like health and education.

Many MIC leaders will not agree to this statement because they have never actually seen for themselves the real condition of underprivileged Indians.

Even for those Indians who succeed in life, the oppression continues. Promotion opportunities in the government sector are few and far between. I agree that the same cannot be said about the health profession but one has to remember that health is a critical sector. To cut the argument short, I'm yet to see an Indian become a director-general in a government agency. Why?

There are a few solutions. First, Samy Vellu should step down. However, it is disturbing to note that he is grooming G Palanivel to succeed him. Second, the prime minister must step in and stop the rot, but will he? Third, the Indians have to vote against Samy Vellu but ... ahhh ... that will never happen. They are too timid to voice their stand.

As to me, so long as these issues remain unaddressed, I will refrain from voting for the MIC and its coalition members. I am forced to vote for the opposition but can they help solve the above issues? That's another story....