Unless we Indians are prepared to make the effort to undertake the necessary changes, we may have to pay the political price.

At this point in time we have no common goals or objectives as we are fragmented and divided. That division is now quite alarming and disturbing.

For the last 55 years we have gone through national humiliation and defeat. We are still struggling to resolve to redeem our national pride.

While this would require greater effort, imagination, competence and creativity, there isn't an aggressive personality noticeable within the community who is a pragmatist willing to compromise, change, adapt and revive strategy.

There isn't the courage and vigour to work towards achieving non-racial democracy.

Any qualitative change will only emerge if our ideas go straight to the hearts.

No change would be effective if it fails to appeal to the community.

Maneuvering on prejudice is not rational. We strongly believe that Malaysia was conceived as belonging to Malaysians and any desired change must be for the greater benefit of all Malaysians regardless of race or religion.

In the present circumstances it is imperative that we must appreciate and correctly understand our current situation and position.

Is it correct and true to say that the Indians are being driven out of everything and could democratic socialism correct the many imbalances suffered by the community?

What has caused communalism in Malaysia? It is none other than profit motivation.

We must forget to work on the basis of race as a political party. Why the Indians must become entrenched in communal politics and is it wrong to adopt a non-communal ideology and would it weaken us?

This preponderance of thought that only a particular organisation is fit to defend the cause of the Indians is an extravagant claim.

If we desire to do what is right and fair we must be anxious to adjust and remove the present imbalances.

The community as a whole must distant itself from the policies of divide and rule and must help to demolish the old political structure which is ingrained in many.

The communal tendencies and prejudices today gravely influence political thinking.

As a consequence, Indian-based political parties, NGOs and movements are often inclined to express themselves communally and when we invite and inculcate non-communal policies, attacks, libel and slanders are launched.

While the dire needs and plight of Indians must not be ignored nor shelved, it is imperative and necessary for Indians to affiliate to non-communal ideologies so as to secure their future permanently in the upcoming 13th general election.

R KENGADHARAN is one of the five Hindraf leaders who were detained under the Internal Security Act in the wake of the movement's historic 2007 rally in Kuala Lumpur.