The Indian Malaysians had very great expectations that the MIC – the ‘champion of the Indian community’ led by S Samy Vellu – would ensure that the Indian community would progress at the same pace as the bumiputeras and the Chinese.

But despite promises from BN leaders during general elections, nothing firm and concrete has taken place. Year by year, the Indian community begun to sink - the last straw was being treated like ‘fourth class’ citizens in their own country of birth.

MIC leaders have always trumpeted their support for the Indian community. But the truth is that only the close friends of party leaders have ever benefitted. It cannot be denied that the BN allocated various funds to uplift the Indian community but what happened to these resources is still a mystery.

Samy Vellu has always been arrogant in nature and has always depended on his group of gangsters to deliver his support and message. Any person who questions his weakness is ill-treated by these gangsters. Even when urgent and important matters are brought to his attention, he and his leaders just treat them with a tidak apa attitude, indirectly trying not to upset bumiputera government leaders.

Look at the temple demolitions. Even with the presence of Samy Vellu, these government officers did not bother and continued with the demolition. Samy Vellu just washed his hands of the matter and walked off.

It could be true that Samy Vellu never expected Hindraf to gather that much of force. The Indian community did keep silent for so long and expected these crooked MIC leaders to deliver. As usual, all they delivered were empty promises since they were never in a position to anything, even though they claim be amongst the ‘big brothers’ of the BN coalition.

By nature, Indians are a peaceful and caring people who would never advocate street demonstrations. But the situation was such that they had to revolt to get what they had been promised – and deprived of – in this land, for so long.

Recently, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak expressed his regret to the Indian community for marginalising acts and assured them that something would be forthcoming. After numerous denials from BN leaders, the truth finally prevailed. It seems that various direct programmes have been initiated to win back the confidence of the Indian community.

Still, SMS messages and e-mails have been circulating asking members of the Indian and Chinese communities to vote against the ruling parties, since they have been deprived. The coming weeks will be crucial for the BN and it is anticipated that various programmes will be announced to regain the confidence of the Indian and Chinese communities. But will these promises be carried out? Or will they just be the usual election gimmicks of BN?

The Indian community is also not happy that their eye-opening leaders of the Hindraf 5 are still detained at Kamunting under the ISA. Until and unless something firm is done on this matter, the landslide victory that the BN hopes to achieve is in jeopardy.

There are reports that claim that Umno is using this uprising by the Indian community to woo the Malays into voting for them. But these leaders need to realise that the Malays are a very sympathetic and understanding people. They are fully aware that the Indians are a neglected lot and realise that if nothing is implemented to help them, the greater Malaysian society will be burdened in the years to come. Malaysia is rich with natural resources and giving something to the Indians will not affect the status of the bumiputera.

Demanding the resignation of Samy Vellu may be appropriate, but will the next leader be as forceful as Samy? Reports claim that aspiring MIC leaders are too weak to do anything beneficial for the community.

It has been learned that in certain areas, the Indian community wants firm commitments from the ruling government. Since these commitments will benefit Malaysians as a whole, the ruling government should accept and implement them before calling for the next polls.

Initially, the Indians had about 15 to 20 demands but, after much hesitation and ‘cooling down,’ they have reduced these to four or five demands that they think will uplift the Indian community into the next generation.

The BN leaders should actually sit with MIC and Hindraf leaders to sort out any ill-feelings. This will benefit every Malaysian because it will keep our country in peace and order. It’s all up to the BN leaders to listen and deliver if they still want a landslide victory in the coming polls.