'So cute' Samy and Subra
What they don't realise is that Indians do not need a race-based party. Samy and Subra and the whole fractious horde can hold hands and disappear into the sunset.
On MIC big guns bury the hatchet
Non-believer: It is good to hear that Samy and Subra have met and agreed to bury the hatchet and get together again. So cute. What they don't realise is that, for a sizeable part of the electorate and perhaps all Indians who voted, the 2008 elections did not only bury MIC and its candidates but the notion that ethnic politics as perpetuated in this country is the only option for the development of the country.
Here was one community that was saying that it would no longer accept the position that its destiny lay in the hands of people whose only claim to bearing that responsibility was their common ethnicity.
The 2008 elections challenged this grand lie. Indians do not need a race-based party to represent them. Samy and Subra and the whole fractious horde can hold hands and disappear into the sunset.
SS of SS: Subra, are you still dreaming of the glory under Samy? Do not forget that you have been thrown out and left licking your wounds in the political wilderness. For two general elections you were not nominated. Now Samy has come back whimpering with a big wound.
Look ahead Subra, the days of the MIC do not seem so glorious anymore. I think politically the country is developing into a less race-based senario.
Disgusted Indian: It is good to see the reformasi syndrome starting to catch on in the defeated and shamed MIC. But you Dato Subra, you are still the same. You called all the Indians to come together and you mentioned IPF, PPP among others but you forgot the main people who started the whole thing the Makkal Sakthi leaders. Without them - the real heroes - nothing good can come about. Please open your doors to them too. If need be, let them lead the whole of MIC.
Ragunathan: And we know, Subra is attempting to make a comeback. All this while he was busy supporting Umno and even campaigning for them. The man has no principles and is disgustingly shameless. He benefitted from the MIC all these years. When he was thrown out, he went to Umno for help. A man of principles would have stayed with the party despite all and served the party.
Now he sings a different tune. Should Indians accept and tolerate this? Not at all. So I urge and caution our people not to be taken in by Subra and be sensibly aware of what is happening. We have had enough of these people in the MIC.
Barathi Tamil: This is what I waiting for. Looks like this was what Subra wanted. The two MIC veterans still offering themselves for the collapsed MIC. Why don’t they give way to others like Devamany and Dr Subramaniam? This shows Subra still has a hidden interest to come back and lead MIC. I believe he should give way to the younger generation who would be better able to manage the party.
Samy has lost all his respect. Please get Samy Vellu out of MIC. Then we young Indians will join the party with aa good spirit. Failing this, we will remain with Makkal Sakthi and fight for Indian rights through Hindraf. Please save MIC.
Malayalee Malaysian: I read with interest that the little chieftains of the Indian Malaysians are trying to become relevant again. My advice to them is to close shop and start from a scratch again. But, more importantly, I am not sure an entirely Indian-focused party is any more relevant. Maybe it is time for Samy and Subramaniam to join PKR. Whatever it is, the nation needs a two-party system and that is what the people voted for.
Indian Malaysian: I am stunned to read that P Sivakumar of the Malaysian Indian Business Association, wants to bring back Datuk Subramaniam back into the fold and the one reason cited is that the was the longest serving deputy president of the MIC.
I am not aware that Subramaniam has thousands of supporters. They must be phantom supporters, because he could not win internal party elections with these so-called thousands of supporters. An invitation for Subra to be brought back into the fold is an invitation for an unmitigated disaster.
Muhammad Ali: It is with regret that I note that Subramaniam has agreed to ‘go back’ to MIC.
It should not be easily forgotten how Samy Velu treated not only Subramaniam but the other vice presidents in the past. Now that he has lost in the polls, he is seeking the help of Subramaniam. Subra must have some honor in him; he cannot easily forget what Samy has been doing to him all these while. Samy removed Subra from all his posts and in fact it was rumoured that had Samy won in the general election, he even wanted to strip Subra of his MIC membership.
What actually should happen is that the PM should appoint Subramaniam as a Senator and appoint him as a minister in cabinet. Do not forget that Subramaniam was in the Public Services Division - he is an Honours graduate.
The MIC should dismiss Samy for his failure in the general election. He is not fit to be a politician anymore. Malaysians citizens of Indian origin have lost faith completely in Samy. Samy is a lost cause. Let him carry on with his business activities.
Concerned Citizen: I fully agree and endorse the statements by S Subramaniam and knowing him well, I feel he is sincere in wanting to revamp the party. It is to S Samy Vellu's credit that he has come forward to close ranks with his one-time enemy for the sake of the Indians in this country.
It is not beyond the means of both these veterans to regroup the Indians and bring back the glory days for the party when it used to sweep the elections with a 100% record. As a sincere and dedicated Indian Malaysian Indian, I feel all Indians in this country want a stable and strong MIC who can then voice out their grievances of them.
People were fed up of the tussle for seats by the current group and hence the formation of splinter groups like IPF and other parties. Even Hindraf was formed out of frustration and the fact that it is not registered speaks of the desperation and anger of the community and its leaders.
Let us hope that a new MIC (MIC Baru) will be formed and strengthened. Let us bury backbiting and tussle for power by individuals.
AL Lim: To those who wish for a Chinese MB in Perak, I say: Be patient. A time will come too in Malaysia, where race is no longer an obstacle. To force the issue now is to commit longer-term political suicide.
Most Malays have never trusted the DAP, perceiving it to be chauvinistic and uncouth. And yet, for the first time ever, hundreds of thousands of them voted for the 'rocket' this election, giving the DAP resounding victories in many racially mixed constituencies such as Klang, Serdang and Rasah.
A move to appoint a Chinese MB in what is traditionally seen as a Malay state will ensure that the Malays will never again vote for the DAP. A DAP government in Perak will be a short-lived one. It may not even last till the next General Election. The Malays will flock back in droves to a resurgent Umno the 'protector' of the Malay race.
I urge the DAP leadership to forsake short-term gain to ensure the stabililty of the country and the progressive development of multi-racial politics in this country. Don’t be greedy. Be content with governing Penang for now. Govern it well, and you might not have to wait 45 years for a non-Malay PM.
BR Supporter: The PAS candidate as Perak MB is not an issue at all for the Barisan Rakyat. What is important is how the rulling coalition will work together to weed out all types of corruption and prove their sincerity in fulfilling the promises made prior to the election.
No one should look at a person as a Malay, Chinese or Indian but rather as a capable leader. Look at India, although the majority of the population is Hindu they had Abdul Kalam as the president of India once and that worked very well. Let us all put the differences aside and support the Sultan's decision.
Edwin Choo: I really don't give a damn which party the chap comes from. I don't see a Malay, Chinese or Indian. I only see a Malaysian. If this Malaysian can actually bring everyone together, work fairly, honestly and wisely towards delivering and fulfilling all election promises, why should it matter which race or what colour or creed or religion he belongs to? Focus! Focus! Focus! Stay positive and stay strong Perak!
Cheang: Is not a bad decision from the Sultan. In fact is a good one. Ngeh has been made the deputy menteri besar. that already a big bonus for the Chinese community in Perak. Always start from bottom. It is not easy for the Sultan also, don’t you think? Bravo Ngeh, do your best job.
DR Tey TF: A golden opportunity has been given by the appointment of a PAS MB in Perak. This is the best chances for the Alternative Front to prove to all Malaysians that it can work and prosper. Please act wisely, don't screw up this only golden chance. You need to look beyond the smaller differences in order to fulfill the bigger objective.
Daniel Chow: DAP’s gesture to offer the post to PAS or PKR should be commended. In my opinion, Ngeh Koo Ham is already the de facto leader in Perak by virtue of controlling 18 out of the 31 seats won by Barisan Rakyat. Hence, wisdom should guide Ngeh from refraining from lobbying for the post.
Kok Khean: I'm deeply disappointed with the decision on our new Perak MB. DAP had won the most seats, second PKR and PAS last. How can PAS take the Perak MB’s post when it does not represent all Perakians?
Sure, the under the state constitution, the menteri besar has to be a Malay Muslim but there is a provision that allows the Sultan to waive this requirement. Isn't it time for axe this silly requirement? Specifying an MB according to race and religion is no longer revelant in this century and is out-dated. The fundamental democratic process is being ignored.
Audrey Wong: Disappointing decision. Why not from PKR if it has to be a Malay?
Kok Siang Chai: Is this fair? Why can’t a Chinese be the MB? The new government says that it will be fair but I dont think this is so.
Citizen 4 Equality: What a disappointment for Perak. The DAP should have the first right to the MB’s post. The Sultan should have done the right thing and should have approved Ngeh (DAP state chairman) as the MB. We had the chance to show Malaysia and the world that we wanted multi-culturalism and equality for all.
Now the rakyat will see the system as undemocratic, unfair and racially biased. I heard that the DAP is going to boycott the swearing-in ceremony, quite rightly too. MCA, Gerakan, MIC are going to exploit this to the max. Going forward, we should have a constitutional reform. We are all Malaysians and there should be full equality before the law.
Ian Lim: Next time no need to vote. Forget about democracy. Just get the Sultan to choose his men. Save our time and effort.
LE: I respected Sultan Perak for his open mindedness, but….now I am very upset. What is democracy and majority? How can someone talk about democracy in the future while the person is not practicing it? We are not rejecting others’ appointment but we want to know the reason, why is the voice of rakyat Perak being ignored? Why is the capability of Chinese being undermined or not being accepted? I cannot find any reason! All I can feel and see is the unfairness again in this country!
Rakyat: Is there any logical reason why only a Malay-Muslim can be the MB? As a Chinese, I am not opposed to being ruled by a Malay. It doesn’t matter who rules, as long as he or she can do the job. As such, the voice of the people should be respected. They have spoken and they have chosen DAP to do the job. The sultan should not overrule the people’s choice.
If anything, he should overrule his own state’s outdated law of requiring the MB to be a Malay- Muslim. The law is antiquated and no longer relevant to the sentiments of our people today. We are moving towards unity and Bangsa Malaysia. The sultan too should move with the times and create history by choosing democracy over racism, just as the people have.
On Opposition leader Khir: We'll be watching
Eric KJ Lim: What ex-MB said was good, but he shouldn’t forget why the citizens voted against his government in the first place and that he himself had failed in the first place. Crime is escalating especially in PJ. Traffic Jams in Selangor are getting worse. What was his government doing? Sleeping?
Parking problems, unreasonable parking summonses, potholes, badly tarred roads, faulty traffic lights are just a few among the many problems the local councils (ie state government) failed to look into. Petaling Jaya is full of these problems and left ignored for the past 50 years.
Where was the MB when all this was happening? Why are BN leaders a joke and make a mockery out of themselves? They still don’t get it, do they? And now he wants to see how the new state government lives up to its promises?
Siew CH: It really boils me to read this report on the new opposition leader of Selangor, Khir Toyo. His behaviour reflects that of BN and it is obvious that little is learnt from the the election that passed. Why is it now that they have to work so hard? Why is it that they only started ‘turning on’ after losing the election? Isn't this a little too late to show how well they worked? These people had four years to show what they could do and the people have already given them enough chances.
May be it is time that Khir realised that he is no longer the boss in town. It is, in fact, not the public who gave the opposition the opportunity to rule but BN themselves. So enough of the big talk on how Khir intends to control the opposition. You have lost Khir, and that is what matters.
KevinP: He must have completed his secret document-shredding exercise to be so bold in making this statement. I suppose that is the sacred duty of the opposition leader but I really wonder how effective he can be since he is stained with corruption during his entire tenure as the MB of Selangor. But the new government of Selangor will just need to deliver. The rakyat will be watching.
Neutral voter: What Khir Toyo says actually reflects the arrogance, bitterness, jealousy, pride and greed of himself. I hope it is just in him alone and not the rest of the Barisan leaders as well.
Viji R: It is laughable that Khir Toyo wants to make sure that the people's needs are going to be addressed by the new government of Selangor. It is his mis-management of the state government and all the ensuing corruption that was partly the cause of the debacle for BN in Selangor. If Abdullah really wants a fresh start - he should really get rid of people like Khir Toyo and all the cronies that have suddenly become ‘concerned’ for the ‘good’ of the people.
Komdeep: To Khir: You will be more efficient as an opposition leader than as a menteri besar. I think this role suits you better. And I hope you remain in the same post after the next election as well. Your service as an opposition leader is much more needed than as MB. Still remember the 'Broom Award' you gave your officers? Now you deserve one as well for losing Selangor to the opposition. I hope Pak Lah will soon award you with one. Want to know the cause of your downfall? Sheer arrogance and an unwillingness to listen to the people.
Oh yes, I saw you on the election day on your bike without the helmet. From now on, at least pay respect to the law. Uphold the Rukun Negara - Kedaulatan Undang-undang. You are no exception. By the way, the election result is a blessing in disguise for you.
SP: Khir Toyo, by his very action, exposes himself as a childish and vindictive sore loser. Did he think that those promises can be implemented immediately? When BN won in 2004, why didn't he distribute the BN manifestos to BN members to ensure that the promises within them were carried out? If that's the way Khir behaves, he deserves to lose and I don't see him winning again in the future.
Lau Sue Chau: It is appalling to read that this defeated underdog still cannot understand the united sentiments of Malaysians to reject racial politics. He is ignorant that his wild and desperate cry to safeguard the rights of the Malays is no longer relevant to the current new breed of Malaysians who are fed-up with those who sow the seeds of enmity among races. Does he also want an Indonesian to be in the state exco to protect the multitudes of illegal Indonesians in Malaysia?
Khir Toyo, we Malaysians in general, and the people of Selangor in particular, are well aware of your corrupt desires to rip the people of their wealth to fatten yourself and your cronies. The long arms of PKR will be upon you pretty soon. You know what evils you had accomplished to make the people suffer. That is the very reason you were rejected and cast into darkness and oblivion.
Ng Tze Yeng: I read with amusement the report on Khir Toyo's commitment to monitor the new State Govt. It made me even sure that we've made the right choice by voting him out. His statements smack nothing but of the bitterness of a bruised ego. What's more, it also shows that our ex-MB is not too much of a bright spark either, still resorting to racial insinuations when the people have clearly voted beyond racial lines. Wake up - this is the new Malaysia. The rakyat definitely wasn't on his mind during his reign.
Anonymous Malaysian: It is because of individuals (like Khir Toyo) like this that tension among the races exist. Instead on being humble and reevaluating themselves, they pounce on the fact that there are a only 'a few' Malay exco members, starting to play the racial card once again. I find it completely tasteless.
They do not need a post-mortem to tell them why they lost. It’s obvious that Malaysians have now found a new voice and are fed up of classless politicians who embarrass themselves nationally and internationally serving their own self-interests.
They probably received the 'Corruption-Clean Certificate' because the award is awarded by the
corrupted themselves, patting each other on the backs. I truly wish the opposition will show BN how it should be done and raise the standards of politics in Malaysia.
KH Lee: I find Dr Mohd Khir Toyo remarks completely hilarious. First, he seems so keen on helping the newly elected government fulfill its election promises to the people. Now, I wonder why he didn't display the same enthusiasm in helping the former Barisan Nasional government in Selangor fulfill its promises to the people when he had the opportunity to do so as its leader.
Second, he seems suddenly so keen on ensuring that the newly elected government does not practice ethnic discrimination. Again, I wonder why he didn't have that same conviction when he was the leader of the then Barisan Nasional government in Selangor.
If his call comes because he has a new heart, he should call on the Federal Government, of which he is apart by virtue of being a leading member of Umno, to remove all negative aspects in the implementation of the NEP and focus instead on achieving the truly fundamental and noble goal of the NEP - the elimination of poverty regardless of ethnicity. That means cleaning out the den of corrupt politicians and their cronies that his party has festered over the years.
Elan: One can always find a hundred reasons why Samy Vellu and his team lost. But at the end of the day, one has to ask himself - do we really need the MIC ?? I am an Indian Malaysian, a proud one at that and will be 50 soon. I have never had a single help from the MIC and I don’t think I need them in any way.
As Malaysia moves towards the future, we should steer away from racial parties like Umno, MCA and MIC – go for a united front. That’s the only way forward for Malaysians.
Dr V Nedunchelian: A clear message from Indian Malaysiasn to MIC is ‘get lost’. The MIC is irrelevant as the leaders are self-centered and there only to fill up their pockets. The message is clear that all race-based political parties are irrelevant now. The rakyat is very matured now. We are towards a Bangsa Malaysia target. There is no room of ethnicity.
Navina: When thousands of Indians took to the streets, the MIC stood by and watched. It did not understand the frustration and anguish of the Indians. Instead of reaching out to them, the MIC marginalised them. It was disgusting to see Samy Vellu opposing them, fighting them and threatening all kinds of action.
Since that day, the MIC has become irrelevant to the Indians. The Indians do not need MIC any more. I call on all Indians to rally behind Anwar Ibrahim and PKR.
Vetrivel: Nothing Samy Vellu can do now will ever bring back the Indians to MIC's fold. Many Indians have already pledged alliance to DAP, PKR and even PAS.
Please take the lesson of Bukit Selambau as a lesson. The people wanted MIC out so badly and they worked hard for it. Most Independent candidates lost their deposits but in a moment of history, the people of Bukit Selambau voted for an independent candidate. So badly did they want the MIC out!
Andy: I request all the MIC branch and division leaders to sack Samy Vellu through a no- confidence vote for he has not done his duty as a leader for the past 20 over years besides failing to retain his parliamentary seat.
Mohan 91: What is going to happen to MIC, only god knows. I was shocked to read that Samy Vellu intend to stay on as MIC president. If he really loves the party he will resign as president and leave it to others to administer the party. He still fails to understand that because of him, all the other MIC candidates lost.
Let’s be practical as life has to go on without Samy Vellu. The MIC is not dependent on one person. Maybe or the best way is to appoint him as an adviser to the party. If he is going to be there as a president then no one can save the party.
Jayanthi M: The Indians are understandably worried about whether their interests will be given a platform but patience is needed and this golden opportunity of working with a strong opposition coalition must be explored before the Indians start carving themselves out of the coalition and becoming a separate movement.
Social Reformist: With regards to who represent the Indians, why should it be the MIC all the time. Why not the Indian Progressive Front (IPF) for a change? What the Indians should do is to call for a referendum and decide which political party they feel should represent them. Why should we Indians listen to Umno that insists that the Indians accept MIC as the only Indian representative?
Canaraj Ramamorthy: MIC has to close shop, due to the neglected state of the Indians in Malaysia. Samy Vellu has done nothing for the Indians. All of us should not support the MIC.
Gopal Munusamy: I read with interest about Samy Vellu wishing to remain as leader of MIC and wanting to rebuild the party. The whole idea of the people going against him in the 12 th general election is to ‘tell’ him that he has passed his ‘use-by’ date. One would have thought that the message is loud and clear in that the people do want the same leadership for MIC. When is he going to listen to the rakyat . He seems to have this thing in his head that no one can do the job better than him.
Forty-two years of public service and political experience and official empowerment and at the end there is nothing. Losing a seat after that many years in power is no small message. Time to go, Samy. Pack your bags and disappear into the horizon. Australia is good place. Why not go there? Hope you get the message, sir.
On PAS rules out Islamic crackdown in Kedah
Shyyih Fu: Not all Malays agree for Islamic laws to be imposed. PAS should understand that their win doesn’t only belong to them. The vote from the people is very clear and that is we want to have a more open government.
PAS will make many of its new supporters disappointed if it does not stick to its manifesto and agreement with PKR.
Mister Tambourine: Alhamdulillah, reasonable and rational PAS leaders have responded and assured us that PAS will not push laws that are not agreeable with DAP and PKR, the other two major parties of the opposition coalition. This attitude is of utmost importance as a confrontation will make the opposition alliance a laughing stock by the BN and its supporters.
Bear in mind that anti-PAS Malays, Chinese, Indians and others voted for the party based on an understanding of a gotong-royong to clean up the system. Likewise, anti-DAP Malays and Muslims also risked voting DAP for similar reasons. Congratulations are in order for all the three parties, but please do not forget that none of the party could have made it on its own.
Think Barisan Rakyat, not DAP, PAS or PKR.
PAS should also remember that its not the liberty of just the non-Muslims that they must protect. Malays/Muslims who demand their democratic rights under the federal constitution too must be respected and protected. Salam reformasi.
Siemji Agro: Kepada Presiden PAS, tahniah kepada kemenangan yang bermakna untuk PAS tetapi perlu diingat
1. Prestasi di Terengganu adalah tidak menterjemahkan .arus nasional.
2. Tuan Presiden patut memberi laluan kepada pemimpin pelapis.
3.Pendekatan yang lebih lembut dan gunakanlah isu-isu yang lebih kreatif dan berpijak dibumi yang nyata.
4.Jangan cuba menerapkan idea dan tindak tanduk pemerintahan PAS Terengganu pada 1999 kepada kerajaan baru PAS di Kedah dengan kenyataan-kenyataan yang agresif bagi memuaskan hati pengikut-pengikut yang fanatik.
Beruasahalah supaya Terengganu akan menyusul semula ke pangkuan PAS. Pas ada sokongan 49.99% di Terengganu dan amat memerlukan sokongan PKR. Hargailah mereka.
