I refer to the Malaysiakini report After Hindraf, here comes Mindraf.

Nothing surprises nor shocks me anymore.

There are so many issues to be deliberated and ironed out and all another group of political adventurers can think of is starting another race-based party that caters to the primary concerns of a particular ethnic or religious community.

The very thought should be repulsive to put it midly.

However, I cannot but welcome the offer of dialogue by self-exiled Hindraf founder and organisational head P Waythamoorthy to Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

According to news reports and feedback received from friendly parties, Waythamoorty is desirous of a meeting to discuss the various issues and grouses faced by the Indian community in Malaysia.

To me, this is an excellent gesture and the time is right after that historical expression by the community that rocked the Malaysian political landscape on Nov 25, 2007.

An public expression that also showed the grand exit and the political irrelevance of an overrated and self-serving Barisan Nasional component party.

I am certain and completely convinced that Najib will be more than interested to engage in a fruitful and constructive engagement where the alleged grievances and problems of the Indian community could be addressed.

And while encouraging the need for an open and honest discussion with the relevant authorities to help solve the socio-economic ills plaguing the Indian community, the Hindraf leaders could also help weed out others who have been the false beneficiaries of the governments many proactive ventures to assist the community.

The timing is simply right in view of the direction that the country is heading under the new premier and his national programme and philosophy of a ‘1Malaysia'.

But my humble appeal is that if the desire for the high-powered meeting is to address issues and grouses that have a rather long history, then all the parties must come to the table with an open and unshackled mind for mutual discussion.

If there are over 18 issues to be discussed, so be it but let them not be cited as demands since it is going to be a meeting of individuals seriously concerned about a community's needs.

It is going to be a meeting of minds deeply concerned to find progressive and positive results. ones that would be rooted in decency and respect for the community's dignity.

I am certain that Najib Razak is fully aware that he is also the prime minister for Indian Malaysians and as such will do all that is necessary to address any problem that needs to be addressed.

But all parties must come forward in an atmosphere of mutual friendship, cordiality and sense of responsibility.