The yet-to-registered Parti Reformasi Insan Malaysia (Prim) today challenged MIC to give more aid to the victims of the racial clashes in Petaling Jaya Selatan rather than "merely making empty promises".

Prim pro-tem secretary-general P Uthayakumar said today the victims of the clashes were still suffering financially despite earlier promises by MIC to give financial aid to them.

"Some cannot afford the taxi fare to even go to the hospital for follow-up treatments," said Uthayakumar in a statement.

Violent clashes lasting for four days in Kampung Medan, Petaling Jaya Selatan and its vicinity beginning March 8 resulted in the death of six persons and 52 injured - almost all Indians. More than 600 police personnel were stationed at the affected areas to maintain order.

The police arrested about 220 people who were believed to be involved. Some have been charged in court and have claimed trial to offences under the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act, the Police Act and the Penal Code.

Following the tragedy, MIC leaders and other government leaders have made frequent visits to the affected areas, promising the victims financial aid, basic amenities, proper roads and low-cost houses.

'Toothless tiger'

Uthayakumar however claimed several promises were never kept and urged MIC to pressure the government to provide financial assistance to the victims.

"The government must grant an emergency cash assistance of RM2,000 per victim for the next one year and the families of each person killed should be given RM400,000.

"Damages ranging from RM350,000 to RM750,000 must be paid to each injured victim for the pain and injuries suffered as well as for the loss of amenities," he said.

Uthayakumar also wants the government to give all the victims a free low-cost house each.

He added MIC should push the government to hold a royal commission of inquiry to establish the cause of the attacks.

Although it has been more than 100 days since the attacks took place, the government and the MIC have only given the victims between RM300 and RM500, he said.

Uthayakumar added that the MIC, by "not being able to do anything real for the victims, has become a toothless tiger" and was being used by the government to "suppress and oppress the Indian Malaysians".