I came across an article posted by M Saravanan, who is the deputy minister for federal territories the MIC’s information bureau chief.

Titled 'Indians need a sense of belonging', my immediate impression was positive in nature and it got me wondering if this chap had just received a stunning revelation from Abraham Maslow. But it was not to be. I had merely hoped against hope.

Basically, he is trying to signal that a leadership crisis, with regards to race, does not exist in BN. In fact, it probably remains a jargon to those who walk along those corridors of power.

He believes that all is well and fine as far as the leaders are concerned, and that the problem lies with the lower rungs, particularly the civil sector and government offices.

To address this, he suggests that each government department have a director or deputy director who is an Indian, so that Indians can look up to them to solve their issues.

Datuk Saravanan, I would first touch on your claim that the comradeship is strong among the BN leaders, and that there is no distinction among the various races, before moving on to lambast you on your almost ignorant and equally silly suggestion.

I would not go back as far as Dr Mahathir Mohamad's premiership, but instead cite instances during Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's tenure as prime minister.

Hishamuddin Hussein Onn's antics at the 2006 Umno general assembly which irked the Chinese, alone, is sufficient to contradict your statement about the existence of a strong sense of belonging at the top level.

What about the youth wing of Umno exerting pressure upon Gerakan by issuing them an ultimatum to clarify the issue surrounding S. Paramjothy's statement, in which he claimed that Indians were being treated as fourth-class citizens?

Gerkan’s Dr Koh Tsu Koon himself was quoted as saying that Umno should not threaten Gerakan. Is this the type of comradeship you are talking about?

Datuk Saravanan, I understand that by painting a rosy picture of Umno and BN, it would surely elevate your chances of climbing up the ministerial ladder, and subsequently be promoted to the rank of a minister. But as much as you would like to believe, we Indians, aren't that much a bunch of fools.

Now, moving on to your classic suggestion of appointing an Indian director, or deputy director, at each government department to resolve this issue. I am an Indian and I am proud of my roots but I find your suggestion downright ridiculous.

I would like you, Datuk Saravanan, to read up a quote from one whom I consider a true Malaysian at heart and hopefully, with God's grace, learn a thing or two from him.

‘My name is Haris Ibrahim. Trained in the law. Late father was Malay and my mum is Ceylonese. I am Malaysian. My ethnic background is relevant in helping me to understand my cultural make-up but is irrelevant in defining my status as a citizen of Malaysia.’.

The very act of appointing an Indian director at every government department is an act of racism, and this is exactly what MIC is promoting. Why must an Indian turn towards another Indian for help?

Divide-and-rule is the tenet of BN's strategy, and this surely, has to be buried. We, the Indians, and I'm sure the others too, want a Malaysia for all Malaysians.

Elect the best candidates for each position, without giving room for racial criteria. We want a Malaysia whereby all Malaysians, irrespective of race and religion, can stand tall together as one and come to each others' defence when the need arises.

We, the Anak-Anak Bangsa Malaysia , do not want a Malaysia where the spirit of racism precedes the spirit of nationality, and this, my friend, is the reason why irrelevant leaders like you earn no respect from us.