Newly appointed MIC secretary-general, S Murugesan wants MIC branches to reconnect with the local community by setting up more new branches.

"Currently recruitment of new members are taking place through the Putera wings. Membership at branch levels is slow."

MIC secretary general interview s murugesan 170909 02 Murugesan (right) said he would like people to join and start their own branches in an effort to reconnect with the community to rejuvenate the party."

Speaking to Malaysiakini, the 42-year-old lawyer said that his first task from MIC boss S Samy Vellu, was to convince voters to return to the BN for the Bagan Pinang by-election by getting down to the grassroots.

"I would like to ask the Indian voters in Bagan Pinang to give MIC and BN a chance. You have seen their performances.Give us a chance," he said.

'We are genuine'

As for his appointment as the secretary general, he said he was surprised as he had not hints prior to this.

"I was totally taken aback. Neither one of us expected it," he said it in reference to his appointment along with the new treasurer general, Jaspal Singh and information chief, P Kamalanathan.

mic election 120909 crowd He also said that the new central working committee meeting would be held soon.

On the relevance of the party, he said that it was still at the forefront to represent the interest of the Indian community.

"The MIC is the first and foremost party that represents the Indians. The opposition can promise a lot but is unable to deliver.

"We are here to move the government to assist the Indians. We are genuine in furthering the interest of the Indian community.

He said that the party has continued to reinvent and is still moving forward despite its dismal performance in the general election last year.

He denied allegations that branches aligned to deputy presidential candidate S Subramaniam were being suspended and replaced.

Still green on the job

"Branches would only be suspended if their annual returns are not audited," he said, adding that the party would not suspend branches simply because of its support for a particular candidate.

However he also conceded that he needs time to look into the matter as he is still green where the job was concerned.

He was also asked to comment on Prime Minister Najib's call for change when he opened MIC's 63rd annual general assembly.

"The prime mnister has called for leaders who are acceptable by the people to be chosen. In fact, party president had initiated the change three years ago when G Palanivel defeated S Subramaniam.

"Palanivel fits the picture. Similarly all the 3 vice presidents who won convincingly are down to earth people."

He concluded that"the delegates voted in sync with the prime minister's wish".