Samy lauds PM's pledges for Indians

MIC president S Samy Vellu today lauded the pledges made by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for the betterment of the Indian community.

The veteran politician said this proved that the Barisan Nasional (BN) government looked after the interests of all races in the country.

He said the pledges would also create more equitable opportunities for Indians.

"These are not mere promises but decisions that will be implemented with MIC's co-operation. We will ensure these decisions are carried our according to the prime minister's instructions in the next five years and thereafter," he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

Samy was responding to the pledges made by Abdullah via advertisements placed in Tamil dailies today.

Among others, the prime minister promised that places of worship would be respected and protected.

This pledge, said Samy Vellu, had given an "added assurance" to the Indian community.

Civil service

The MIC president, who is also works minister, also welcomed Abdullah's pledge to take in more Indians into the civil service.

Other pledges include meeting educational needs of Indian children, further upgrading learning and teaching facilities in Tamil schools, increasing assistance for low-income and urban poor families and enhancing business opportunities for Indians.

"The prime minister's pledges have reinforced what BN has been doing for the people for the past 50 years," said Samy Vellu.

MIC and its leaders have come under intense pressure since the Nov 25 rally organised by the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) which drew some 30,000 disgruntled Indians to the street.

As a result of this, BN is concerned that the community, once regarded as its true blue supporters, might turn their back on the ruling coalition in this elections.

'Tired' of campaigning

In another development, Information Minister Zainuddin Maidin said he has received numerous complaints that the 13-day campaign period is too long, leading many quarters to feel ‘tired’.

However, he also noted that the long campaign period showed that the country is indeed democratic.

"The long campaign period has to be reviewed so that a more efficient and suitable period can be given in future," he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

Zainuddin also claimed that there were certain quarters who are telling the people not to come out and vote on polling day this Saturday because BN would win.

"We have to be careful about this and urge the people not to be swayed by this and to come out and vote," he said.