I refer to the Malaysiakini report Samy promises new faces for GE and the letter MIC still the best bet for Indians . The long-standing MIC chief, who has been the top Indian cabinet minister since 1978, should take his own advice and get fresh blood to replace himself at the next elections. There is no point in appointing other candidates for the next polls if the captain of the ship is not replaced.

Samy Vellu has overstayed his welcome. He should allow a younger and more capable person to replace him as MIC president as well as in the cabinet. As it is, people now think that the MIC is Samy Vellu and vice versa as he has held the presidency for nearly three decades.

Maika Holdings was supposed to be a vehicle for the poor and downtrodden Indian community to improve their lot by buying the shares allocated to them. Under his watch, they have seen their hard-earned money go down the drain due to poor management. And who can forget the Telekom shares scandal where blue chip shares allocated to the Indian community were siphoned by him? By the good office of our former premier, he was not charged by the ACA for misusing his power.

Samy Vellu has managed to ‘kill’ off all his rivals during his iron-clad rule of the party. Presently he only has subservient underlings who follow what he says, failing which they will be shown the door. Under his tenure as works minister, we have seen buildings collapse, toll roads hit by floods and landslides and the public burdened by toll operators raising prices due to one-sided agreements between the toll barons and the government.

The Hindraf demonstration is the icing on the cake. It is clear that many poor and downtrodden Indians have lost faith in their chief to fight for their rights and for a share of the economic pie. Any self-respecting minster would have resigned when he loses public confidence. It is a matter of principle. But this is Bolehland where top officials don’t take full responsibility for their mediocre leadership.

Be a gentleman, Samy. Don’t stand for the next elections. Follow the footsteps of previous MCA and Gerakan presidents who made way for their deputies to rejuvenate their party with new blood.

The Indian community has already made their grievances be heard loud and clear by demonstrating in the streets. The majority of Indians have no confidence in your leadership. It would be wise for you to hear their clarion call to step down during the next polls.

With your weak and autocratic leadership, one that refuses to listen to dissenting voices in your party, you will be a liability for BN. Surely after thirty years, you do not want to be known as a party president who wanted to die in office like your predecessor.

After getting rid of S Subramaniam and replacing him with your favorite choice for a deputy, it would be good to move on with your life as age is catching up with you.