MIC parliamentarian for Cameron Highlands K Devamany has escaped punishment for his outburst in commenting on the plight of the Indian community in the Dewan Rakyat last week.

Devamany met Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today over a complaint that he had broken ranks with Barisan Nasional (BN) over the Hindraf-organised rally.

"We shared 20 minutes together and I told him that I regretted what happened that day," he said, adding that Najib had given him advice as well.

Last week, Devamany told the Dewan Rakyat that the rally, which saw some 30,000 Indians taking to the streets, was a reflection that government policies had failed the community.

Devamany said that he regrets that the statement he made has caused problems.

"I truly believe that the nation's progress through unity and stability is paramount and cannot be compromised," he said.

He also said he supports BN policies and Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's leadership, which "can never be questioned".

Devamany said Najib had assured him that the Indian community's legitimate concerns will be looked into by the government, together with MIC, in the spirit of BN.

'Right to opinion'

Probed if he is sorry for having spoken up, Devamany declined to comment and stressed that he regrets the incident.

"I think that, right now, we must be very responsible and cautious with our words. Let's not just simply throw [ sic ] words," he said, while insisting he would continue to speak up in the Dewan Rakyat.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz, who was also at the press conference, explained that Devamany has not been suspended or given a warning.

"It shows that BN allows differences of opinion. The situation last week was tense. Everybody is human. We have to assess the situation he was in, to assess whether he (crossed the) line," he said.

"In Barisan Nasional you have the right to voice your opinion, and at the same time maintain decorum to ensure unity in BN," he said.

Nazri said Najib has adopted the stance of 'to forgive is divine' in handling Devamany.

Devamany was luckier than MIC secretary-general S Sothinathan, who was suspended as a deputy minister for three months from June 2005 for speaking his mind during parliamentary debate.