Premier Najib Abdul Razak, who celebrates his 57 birthday today, had one of his wishes coming true when MIC president S Samy Vellu announced yesterday the admission of former PPP Youth chief T Murugiah into the party.

NONE According to party sources, Samy Vellu did not want Murugiah ( right ) in the MIC but there was pressure from Najib to take him into the BN fold.

The premier apparently sees Murugiah as an up-and-coming young Indian leader who can influence Indian youth support to return to BN in the coming general election after it was lost in the 2008 political tsunami.

This was seen when Najib snubbed PPP chief M Kayveas's request to remove Murugiah as a deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Department.

This happened after Murugiah had challenged Kayveas for post of party president in 2009 and was booted out of PPP for his pains.

Other BN component parties were hesitant in recruiting him as a member, considering him as a potential troublemaker .

Murugiah then turned to Najib, who allegedly used his influence as BN chief to persuade MIC to take him in.

Hint from PM

According to Murugiah, the hint came from the premier during his recent visit to the Hutan Melintang state constituency in Perak, which has 32.1 percent Indian voters.

Najib had allegedly told him that the Indian community, instead of being splintered into mosquito parties, must unite under one party like MIC, in order for BN to allocate more funds for the welfare and economic progress of the community.

MIC, which is in the doldrums due to internal infighting, has been rudderless in leading the Indian community.

However, the entry of Murugiah into MIC may persuade Indian youth to support the party, although it's possible some of the party leaders may have differences of opinion with him.

Still, as the deputy minister in charge of public complaints, Murugiah has proven dynamic and hardworking.

Supporters are 95 percent Indians

Murugiah told Malaysiakini that his alleged 210,000 supporters are 95 percent Indians, while Malays and Chinese make up the rest.

He said a minority of his supporters was not happy with him joining MIC and wanted him to join Gerakan instead.

However, the former PPP Youth leader will follow the wishes of Najib and the majority of his supporters.

samy vellu mic agm 110710 03 But he will ensure that all his non-Indian supporters do not leave the BN fold by enlisting Malays into Umno while the Chinese members will be found places in either MCA or Gerakan.

Samy Vellu ( left ) said that Murugiah will not be given any post but will have to remain as an ordinary member of MIC for three years before he can stand for a party post.

A jubilant Murugiah said being an ordinary member of MIC is okay with him, as he just needs a political party base to build up his political career.

He praised Samy Vellu for his political foresight in accepting him and said that he will work not only for the Indian community but also for other races to make Najib's 1Malaysia dream come true.