Malaysian Indians form the third largest ethnic group in Malaysia. However, they seem to be more complexly divided compared to the other ethnic groups. They are significantly divided by language, religion and caste. Their population in Malaysia is about eight percent or around two million.

Thus far, Malaysian Indians have considerably contributed towards the economic foundation of Malaysia.

Their contribution towards Malaysian politics is, however, rather gloomy and diluted. For a mere population of two million, they have four exclusive Indian political parties: MIC, IPF, Malaysian Indian United Party (KS Nallakaruppan’s new party) and DIMP (founded by V Govindaraju).

Apart from these four exclusive parties to choose from, quite a significant number of them have joined ‘multi racial parties’ like DAP, Gerakan, PPP and PKR.

This means Malaysian Indians have the choice of a minimum of eight political parties (from both ruling and opposition allies) to choose from. This has and will continue to work to their disadvantage. Their political strength is scattered and weakened.

Now, only MIC can claim to represent the voice of Indians as far as the BN is concerned. However, even MIC was not spared in the political tsunami of March 2008. Here, we should note that all if not most, of the senior and seasoned candidates of MIC lost their seats. Surprisingly, novice MIC candidates won in the election.

The PPP lost its sole parliamentary seat. However, thanks to the generosity of the prime minister and the BN, the party was awarded a deputy minister’s post. The PPP president then made a wrong move, politically at least.

He demanded that the Internal Security Act be abolished. This obviously earned the wrath of the prime minister and the BN.

The prime minister recently announced that the BN is considering seriously and sincerely to admit IPF (founded by MG Pandithan) into the coalition. If IPF is admitted into BN, it would definitely jeopardise the very survival of MIC in the BN.

Many Malaysian Indians believe that MIC is run in a very thuggish manner. The Maika Holdings fiasco not only angered the Indian community but put many Indians in financial trouble.

Many of them strongly believe that the failure of Maika is mostly due to mismanagement and politically motivated and selfish decisions by the MIC leader.

If IPF is admitted into BN, Malaysian Indians have an alternative party exclusive for them in the BN coalition. However, IPF should downplay it’s caste-based politics and not make the same mistakes as MIC.

As for Hindraf, if it wants to continue its struggle and gain positive recognition, it must first clearly define it’s policies and goals. Hindraf should know that there are two ways to achieve their goals.

Many Malaysian Indians are sympathetic towards this organisation. On the other hand,they should not forget that many Indians feel that their approach is rather crude and needs proper planning and due consideration of various other factors.

I feel that Malaysian Indians should reduce the number of political parties for themselves, if possible, one from the ruling coalition and another from the opposition. Only then, will their voices be heard and given serious consideration.

They should unite as ‘Malaysian Indians’ and not be divided into sub-divisions which will only weaken their political power.