MIC, which has been responsible for the welfare and wellbeing of the Indian community since Independence, is facing criticisms from all corners for the myriads of problems faced by the community today.

Although some of the sharp criticisms against MIC may be true, I am of the opinion that it will continue to stay relevant to the Indian community for many more years. The new MIC team headed by Dr S Subramaniam should not be faulted for the past leaders’ mistakes.

It is indeed sad to note that respected academician-turned-politician P Ramasamy of DAP - who is also leading certain sections of the Indian community in the country in his over-zealousness to please his party leaders - has chosen to stoop very low (by using undiplomatic and crude language) to criticise another fellow Indian leader.

Whatever has been said, there are many non-MIC members (including yours sincerely) who still believe that MIC has much to offer to the community - compared to other Indian-based parties. There is no other Indian-based political party in the country that can match MIC’s experiences and knowledge in handling the complex issues and problems of the community.

After all the drama and infightings, MIC has finally emerged with a new president and a fresh mandate to lead the community. We need to give the party a chance to amend its past mistakes and do the right thing for the community, especially for the future generations.

It is heartening to see Subramaniam vowing to give his best and to focus on the socio-economic issues of the community, particularly in the fields of education and economics. The olive branch offered to disgruntled MIC members to return to the party’s fold is indeed a magnanimous move by the party president.

Disgruntled MIC members should take this opportunity to bury the hatchet, and for the sake of future generations, put aside their differences and get united.

There are no magic formulas to immediately correct fundamental issues plaguing the community due to the mistakes of past leaders. However, I believe with a sincere and focused leadership - and with the support and cooperation of the government and the community - we should be able to see some progress in the years to come.

The Indian community should realise the political reality and should continue to support the efforts taken by the new MIC leaders to put things right. Like the other BN coalition parties, MIC is also going through its fair bit of challengers to stay relevant to the community.

We cannot go about bashing and blaming MIC day in and day out for the Indian community’s sorry state of affairs. Its leaders - including the MIC Youth and Wanita heads - are now working very hard and closely with the grassroots to attend to the community problems.

This is indeed a positive indication that the party is gradually making its presence felt in the community - and definitely making heads turn, especially among those who are keen in burying MIC for good.

MIC leaders should not be unduly worried about all these “nuisance barks” and “stray bullet comments”, but instead stay focused on their mission and objectives to reinvent and re-engineer the party.

There are many “educated loose cannons” in the community who are forever throwing brickbats at the leadership. MIC cannot afford to waste too much time and effort in responding to all these people at this juncture.

It is advisable for MIC to forge close relationships with the BN component parties and other NGOs or individuals who are genuinely interested in uplifting the socio-economic status of Indians.

In the meantime, its leaders should explore the suggestion of holding talks with relevant stakeholders (Indian-based organisations) to formulate acceptable socio-economic strategies to uplift and safeguard the Indian community from drifting away further from the mainstream development of the nation.