The only so-called champion for the Indian Malaysian in the last 3 decades is the one and only S Samy Vellu. His journey to where he is now has not been easy. He worked his way up from rags to riches. However scandals, gangsterism, corruption, swindles, empty promises have marred his reputation but his iron-fist autocracy in his party has ensured his survival. He remains the undisputed most powerful leader of a political party in the nation.

Apart from the infamous Maika and Telekom scandals in the past, the recent toll hikes, the MRR2 flyover incident, public buildings mishaps, deplorable conditions of Tamil schools, his ignorance the recent temple demolition sphere by local governments and the Hindu-Muslim couple apostasy cases have now also thrown his sincerity of being the Indian Malaysians' champion into question.

In the past, he might have got away. however, the people are well-informed now with progress and the Internet. He could claim that in the recent Ijok by-election, the results show that 80 percent of the Indian voters there crossed for BN on the ballot paper. However, these people are basically rural folks and would be happy if their basic amenities and infrastructure are taken care of. Thus, they were bought over with instant road resurfacing, street lights, temple renovations, project promises and election ang-pows.

This officially turned the by-election to a 'buy-election'. Thugs were even used to block the ingress of opposition members to residential areas during the by-election.

How is Samy Vellu going to win over the urban folks? He has got a mountain to climb. I personally have witnessed my friends from all walks of life changing their perception about the Malaysian government and the MIC when they are exposed to the news not from the government. These news outlets are not only run by the opposition, but rather by more and more unhappy Malaysian like myself as their way of sharing their thoughts with their fellow countrymen.

Albeit all this, it is undeniable there has been some contribution from the MIC to the Indian community. This is especially in the education sector, where we have seen the emergence of the Tafe College which has played a major role in moulding vocational and technical skilled personnel among the middle class and lower class Indians. The Mied Education Fund has also helped hundreds of Indian students to continue their higher studies, though it comes with a 6% interest rate.

The Indians would have been a better community if Samy Vellu had managed to eradicate nepotism and caste-based politics MIC, implemented a more thorough action to address gangsterism among Indians youths, got more funds for Tamils schools and upgraded the living standard of estate and rural Indian folk.

The failure of the MIC to get another ministerial post in the cabinet and to increase the number of its members in the state assemblies and parliament has significantly reduced its credibility to fight for Indian plight in Malaysia.