MIC is investigating certain party leaders following revelations in a local English tabloid yesterday of their alleged involvement in caste-based politics, said party president S Samy Vellu today.

The party was also probing their involvement with "outside forces" namely some businessmen who according Samy Vellu, were said to be harbouring ill-intentions against the party.

samy vellu exclusive on tamil schools 080708 06 The president was referring to an article which appeared in the Malay Mail .

"We have been monitoring their (businessmen) activities and their association with some MIC leaders. They have been causing detriment to our party and it is time to act.

"The MIC is considering taking action against its members who work hand-in-glove with these businessmen by using caste to win in the MIC elections," he said in a statement.

The newspaper quoted a source as saying that last July, a group calling itself 'namavar' or 'our people', a caste-based group, said to be chaired by millionaire businessman Vyran T Raj, met separately with S Subramaniam and S Sothinathan, the two candidates vying for the MIC deputy president's post.

It said the source quoted Subramaniam as saying that he (Subramaniam) had promised to abolish caste politics and open MIC to all Indians.

Samy Vellu said if it was true that Subramaniam had indeed uttered those words, MIC would seek an explanation from him as his alleged statement was tantamount to branding MIC as practicing caste-based politics.

'Home Ministry must act against daily'

He also said MIC wants the Home Ministry to take action against the local English tabloid for publishing the caste issue, including using the term 'pariahs' and associating it with the party.

He said the party's sole representative in the cabinet, Human Resources Minister Dr S Subramaniam would also be asked to raise the matter in the Cabinet meeting tomorrow.

“The newspaper has caused MIC to look like a caste-based party. This is not true and we want action to be taken against the newspaper,” he said.

MIC also wanted the newspaper to retract the articles published in its edition yesterday and apologise to its members.

The newspaper had published several articles linking MIC with caste in the run-up to the Sept 12 MIC elections.

"The Malaysian Indian community is totally against the practice of caste, especially in politics.

"There is no room for such people in the party," Samy Vellu said, adding that MIC has always been championing all the Indian community.

"I have said it before and I am saying it now. MIC is for all Indians and we will not hesitate to take action against any leaders or members who use caste to advance their political career," he added.

Earlier today, MIC Youth lodged a police report against the Malay Mail after staging a protest outside its office in Kuala Lumpur.