MIC leader Samy Vellu has accused the government of failing to help the Indian minority group improve its wealth.

Samy, who is also works minister, said the government had ignored calls to help the Indian community achieve an equity target of three percent by 2010.

The Indian community accounts for eight percent of Malaysia's population but holds just 1.5 percent of equity.

The frustrated leader, according to a New Straits Times report, has threatened to withdraw his party's support from the government unless the target, outlined in an economic report, was achieved.

The MIC is part of the governing Barisan Nasional coalition.

'Close shop'

If the target was not achieved, "there is no point in talking after that. We will not talk about equity or anything. We will close shop," he was quoted by the newspaper as saying.

"There are only five more years left to achieve the target and if something drastic is not done, it will be impossible to double Indian equity ownership at this rate," the minister said.

He also said the government had not put any specific mechanisms in place for Indians to achieve the target.

"The community on its own cannot raise equity share to three percent. That is why we have repeatedly asked the government to help," he said.

Indians make up eight percent of the country's 25 million multi-ethnic population and analysts say about 80 percent of the Indian community are working class and lack skills, capital and education.

In comparison, more than 60 percent of the population are Malays, who make up the main political groups, while some 26 percent are Chinese, who dominate the economy.