On the cover stands a magnificent figure, decked in fine clothes and ornaments, brandishing a sword. This is the last King of the Chola empire.

sa vigneswaran book launch redemption of indian dignity 090409 04 Former MIC Youth chief SA Vigneswaran chose this image to adorn his book, Redemption of Indian Dignity , to remind readers that Indians had come to this part of the world as kings.

In the 218-page book, launched on April 9, Vigneswaran also attempted to diagnose the emergence of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) and the battle-scarred MIC.

The Indian community that constitutes eight percent of the Malaysian population played a pivotal role in contributing to the ruling coalition Barisan Nasional's worst ever electoral defeat in the March 8, 2008 polls.

sa vigneswaran book launch redemption of indian dignity 090409 05 MIC too witnessed almost its entire top echelon, including its formidable and hitherto unshakable president S Samy Vellu, being shown the exit from the corridors of power.

Vigneswaran, who helms the Malaysian Indian Youth Development Foundation (MIYDF), conveys his message to the readers via short stories and anecdotes.

Being a former MIC leader and parliamentarian himself, the lawyer-turned-politician also penned extensively on the party, namely its veteran president.

'Many headless bodies'

Once regarded as his former mentor before the duo had a fallout resulting in Vigneswaran leaving MIC, the author described Samy Vellu as the 'local MGR' - a revered cinema star of the yesteryears who eventually became the chief minister of Tamil Nadu in the late 70s.

But the flattery ended there.

According to him, rebel party leaders during Samy Vellu's three decade and continuing reign, did not have problems with MIC but rather with the president.

samy vellu exclusive on tamil schools 080708 06 "Every man who had problems with Samy was made to look like they were enemies of the party... Samy wields a powerful sword that has left many headless bodies in his trail," he said.

Samy Vellu was recently annointed as president for a record 11th term and Vigneswaran has described his tenure which commenced in 1979, as "the era of eclipse."

The author stressed that MIC had six presidents in the first 33 years (since its inception) and yet the subsequent 30 years has only seen only one man at the top.

A major failure of Samy Vellu that is given due consideration in the book is the issue of economic equity with regards to the Indian community.

Vigneswaran argued that Samy Vellu has failed to increase the Indian economic pie.

Based on seminar findings entitled 'Dasar Ekonomi Baru dan Malaysian Indian: Rantindak MIC' which is also known as the Blue Book, Vigneswaran noted that the Indian economic pie was at 1% in the 1970s.

The paper was presented during the tenure of the late MIC president V Manickavasagam before the implementation of the New Economic Policy.

An opposition tool

As for Hindraf, Vigneswaran deduced that the banned movement has played a role which benefitted the opposition.

He put forth the notion of a 'hidden hand' to explain how opposition parties used Hindraf to gain political mileage.

gantang by election 040409 hindraf candle light vigil kamunting isa detainees02 Being a lawyer himself, Vigneswaran said, Hindraf's incarcerated leader P Uthayakumar should have been aware of the legal repercussions.

So the question is why did he do it?

The answer, according to the author, is simple - support from the opposition.

On the whole, Redemption of Indian Dignity does not identify all the problems faced by the Indian community and it also does not offer solutions.

The debutant author has decided to concentrate more on inspiring stories rather than hard research.

This book would be made available at all MPH book stores. Those interested can also contact the MIYDF at 03-3323 7515.