Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak recently called on MIC to reengineer itself to remain relevant to the Indian community. It is a sign that the BN is beginning to realise that the MIC is becoming a liability rather than as asset. He rightly pointed out that Indian community, like the others, is more educated now and their expectations from the leadership are higher than ever before.

The MIC must heed Najib’s call to re-examine and revamp its leadership at all levels and act to regain the confidence of the Indian community. Otherwise there is a real danger that the MIC, which has been the sole representative of the Indians in the government, will soon become irrelevant to them.

Najib has outlined steps the government would take to uplift the socio-economic standing of the Indians. These include increasing the intake of Indians into the civil service; providing more scholarships to Indians entering public universities; sending qualified Indians to foreign universities for tertiary education; increasing the microcredit loans for Indian businessmen; improving the quality of education at Tamil schools and the orderly relocation of Hindu temples. But are these measures genuine or just election promises?

While it is encouraging that the government has suddenly recognised the plight of the Indians in particular, it is lamentable that these problems have been neglected for far too long. The restructuring of society and eradication of poverty did not bring the intended benefits to all communities although the policy was tailored for that.

It is imperative that the government ensure that policies formulated at the highest level are translated into realities on the ground and not sabotaged by the ‘little Napoleons’ at various levels of the administration. Why did the government fail to reprimand these ‘little Napoleans’ who did not toe the line in implementing national policies which were meant to benefit all communities?

The contribution of all communities, however small, is vital to the overall development of the nation. No effort must be spared to tap the potential of all communities to the fullest. No community, however small, should be neglected as the ailments in one will rapidly spread to adversely affect all.

It is election time and the PM and DPM and others top leaders of the BN have promised many goodies for all including for the Indian community. The question in the minds of Indians is, ‘Will the BN keep its promises after 50 years of failing to do so?’

Many believe that to a certain extent, it can be made to honour its promises to the Indian community if there is a change in the leadership of the MIC. The Indians are convinced beyond doubt that as long as the present leaders of the MIC remain at the helm, there can never be any change in the attitude of the BN and the government towards the plight of the Indians.

Unfortunately the leadership of the MIC, under S Samy Vellu, prefers to be blind to the dilemma of community it claims to represents. Unless the MIC leaders come out their denial syndrome, the future of the Indians does not look too bright.