I welcome comments on my remarks in the press. I take them in the spirit of public debate and discussion where there should be no malice because that is unworthy of sound civil discourse.
In the democratic tradition we must be open to difference of views and we can be constructively critical on public concerns.
In the discussions hosted by the Malaysian Indian Business Association (Miba) in September on Indian concerns this was the objective and a cross section of community leaders were present from the academic, social, business and political sectors.
In the past few days different individuals have reacted to reports in the media especially Tamil media over my analysis of the Indian situation and one has even challenged me to a public debate.
Let me clarify some points:
The focus of the discussions has been for the betterment of the Indian community and a review of the progress made since March 2008 by both the federal government and state governments including role of political parties from both sides, the ruling as well the opposition.
- The discussions were not about individual political party leaders although there were references made to leaders from across the political divide.
- What is imperative is not the political survival of any political leader elected or appointed but the concerns of the bottom 40 percent of Malaysian society especially the poor and low income households.
- Essential for us today is what are the indicators for structural reforms which will ensure equal opportunities based on basic needs and basic human rights, that we shift from handouts to address substantive inequalities and marginalisation especially of displaced plantation workers and urban poor settlers.
There have been some strong reactions in the Tamil papers by YB Senator V Subramaniam popularly known as Barat Maniam, Sivasubramaniam (Selangor MIC), Malarvili Gunaseelan and Palaniappan (MIC Rawang).
Unfortunately their reactions originate from a short, selective and out of context reference of my talk in Makkal Osai on Saturday Oct 8, 2011 taken from an article in freemalaysiatoday.com (Oct 6, 2011) quoting my presentation on Sept 11, 2011.
I would encourage the gentlemen to read the full article presented on Sept 11, 2011 at the Miba Forum and read the freemalaysiatoday.com article in full entitled ‘Still a long road ahead for Palanivel' (Oct 6, 2011).
In so doing they will get a clearer understanding rather than reacting on the basis of Makkal Osai's very brief write-up.
One must note the full context before jumping into conclusions.
It is not my intention to belittle Palanivel or the Malaysian Indian Congress in any way.
In reading the text of my presentation and the full freemalaysiatoday article, one will recognise both the positive developments as well as challenges faced by the federal government and MIC in addressing Indian concerns.
In a similar way, points were raised of opposition-governed state governments and political parties.
It was unfortunate that the MIC president decided not to participate in the Sept 11 discussions and the MIC's assigned speaker was withdrawn.
If MIC had engaged, we would have had a fruitful discussion and fostered a stronger bipartisan determination in addressing community concerns.
I would encourage Senator Subramaniam, Siva Subramaniam, Malarvili and Palaniappan to review public criticism in a positive and objective way.
The senator will know that being critical of MIC or the president does not mean disloyalty in any way to the party.
On the contrary, democracy dictates a dynamic discussion especially within the party in determining party leadership through a fair party election.
Any attempt at political bullying or curtailment of freedom to open discussions will continue to weaken MIC.
What is more essential at this point is to engage with civil society and communities at the grassroots in addressing the root issues confronting the poorer sections of our communities. In so doing we can ensure a better Malaysia for all.
