Come Jan 20, more than 15,000 MIC members and supporters will gather in Kuala Lumpur to pledge their support for Barisan Nasional (BN) and Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

According to MIC president S Samy Vellu, the gathering, to be held at the Cheras Badminton Stadium, would be the first in a series of gatherings throughout the country aimed at bolstering the party's strength and support for BN ahead of the coming general election.

He said besides Abdullah, who is also BN chairperson, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak will also be invited to the gathering.

"Similar meetings will be held in all the states in stages," he was quoted as saying by Bernama .

Samy Vellu said the prime minister would also deliver an important address at the Jan 20 gathering.

"The prime minister is expected to emphasise the importance of staying united in a multiracial and multireligious country," he added.

He said the gatherings were also aimed at explaining to party members and the Indian community the struggles, achievements and challenges confronting the community to send a loud and clear message to the opposition that the Indian community would always stand solidly behind the BN.

Samy Vellu said MIC members were united in thwarting attempts by certain quarters to stir up racial and religious issues for their own political agenda.

Opposition slammed

He expressed disgust at some opposition parties for using Hindu temples to flare up racial and religious issues.

"This is a new trend where they get a few Indians to hold political ceramah in temples because they know that people (Hindus) will come for prayers," he said.

Samy Vellu urged the Indian community not to be fooled by the opposition.

"The Indians must think of their future and the country's well-being and not allow themselves to be hoodwinked by the opposition," he said.

MIC and its leaders have come under intense pressure since the emergence of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf).

On Nov 25, the movement organised a street rally which drew some 30,000 people. Hindraf had accused the MIC of failing to represent the Indians, which the party leaders have denied.

Apart from this, Hindraf also alleged that the government had marginalised the Indians and were subjecting them to ethnic cleansing.

Subsequently, five Hindraf leaders were detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA).