PKR has challenged Umno to a public debate on the future of the Malaysian Indian community rather than MIC, saying the latter had failed the community.

NONE “We choose to debate Umno instead of MIC, because MIC has failed to solve the problems of the Indian community,” said PKR information bureau committee member K Gunasekaran today.

He added that the party chose to challenge Umno as the Malay party holds supreme power in the BN coalition.

They were the only BN component that decides the fate of Malaysians, particularly the Indian community, he said.

Gunasekaran was speaking after handing over a memorandum to Umno's Putra World Trade Centre headquarters, Kuala Lumpur this morning inviting the ruling party’s leadership to engage them in the debate as soon as possible.

‘MIC has failed'

The small group of party members arrived at PWTC at 10.30 am intending to hand the memorandum to Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.

They were upset to hear that he was absent with the receptionist receiving the memorandum in his stead.

At a brief press conference later, PKR deputy information chief Rozan Azen Mat Rasip, criticised the MIC for being incapable of protecting the Indian community despite having a long history like Umno's.

"We know of MIC's cronyism and nepotism, and instead of claiming they are to protect the Indians, they neglect their welfare and well-being," said Rozan.

He pointed that the community's frustrations led to the rise of the Hindraf movement in November 2007.

 "So, in their years of existence, what are their contributions?" said Rozan, claiming that the Indian community had lost its confidence in the Barisan component party.

Rozan also questioned the integrity of the BN and hopes the ruling coalition will find answers to the problems faced by the Indians.

"If the debate is realised, we expect answers by the ruling party particularly on the problems unaddressed for many long years."

"Let the debate be telecast live so that the leaders can keep their promise."

Walk the talk call 

Meanwhile PKR deputy youth chief Azmizam Zaman Huri said if the BN administration does not respond to the debate proposal by Aug 31, then it means the BN does not walk the talk of their 1Malaysia slogan "Janji Ditepati" (Promises Kept).

He also hopes to see a debate between (PKR leader) Anwar and (Prime Minister) Najib before the 13th general election.

"We want the debate because the people will be better informed of the direction of both the Barisan and the Pakatan coalitions," he said. 

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