Politically motivated hidden agendas to drive him out of office is the kind of 'scapegoating' we've come to expect from the Minister of Works and MIC President S Samy Vellu.

It is time he owned up to his failings now that his protector and political master has departed. Samy Vellu should have stepped down when Dr Mahathir Mohamad retired.

Samy Vellu must face up to he fact that he hasn't represented the Indian community one iota in lifting their socio-economic and political status in Malaysia.

And through his various portfolios over the years, he must be held accountable for some of the environmental and infrastructural damage the country has suffered through the haphazard implementation of development projects.

Most of these projects were 'privatised' to the state's corrupt crony companies - with Samy Vellu's blessing as much as Mahathir's. The very cronies who are involved in Umno and Barsian Nasional's grubby money politics.

Samy Vellu should leave quietly or face the prospect of being tossed out on his ear. Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, what are you waiting for?