MIC has urged the authorities to arrest immediately anyone who raises issues related to religion and race that could trigger problems in the country, party president S Samy Vellu said.

He said such people should be put behind bars for trying to create disorder and chaos.

samy vellu exclusive on tamil schools 080708 01 "The government must act fast against these kind of people," he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the MIC's central working committee today.

He also proposed that an interracial relations council be established to discuss and address amicably issues concerning religion, language, culture and racial sensitivities.

Such a council was important to help realise the government's efforts at strengthening racial unity which had come under threat after the last general election.

"The people are worried about the current situation as a lot of racial sensitivities are being raised by irresponsible quarters.

"So let's go back to our original struggle of forging national unity for the good of the people and country."

He said the interracial relations council could be set up after the proposed Race Relations Act had become a reality.

Samy Vellu said the council could be represented by the various political parties and religious and cultural organisations.

"The government needs to rebuild racial unity which will lead to national unity. But we also need to caution all quarters not to stoke up hatred among the various races in this country."

At the meeting, the MIC also conveyed its congratulations to Najib Abdul Razak for being appointed the new finance minister, and expressed its support for the prime minister and his deputy, as well as to BN in its mission to win back the people's support through new approaches.

"The MIC supports the government in all its actions to ensure the country's political stability and economic strength," said Samy Vellu.

However, he said, the MIC also urged the government to use the Internal Security Act judiciously, and the opposition to stop any action that could destabilise the country.

MIC Youth condemns ISA

In a related development, MIC Youth strongly condemned the use of ISA on Sin Chew Daily journalist Tan Hoon Cheng last week and the chilling fear it gave other journalists.

The wing said this move indirectly curtailed freedom of speech accorded by the Federal Constitution.

isa 3 teresa raja petra tan hoon cheng Tan, who was arrested Last Friday, was released 18 hours later. Also arrested on the same day were controversial blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin and DAP MP Teresa Kok.

In a statement today, MIC Youth legal bureau chief R Thayakugan also commended Umno politician Zaid Ibrahim for resigning as de facto law minister in protest of the ISA arrests.

"The decision taken by Zaid is applauded and a step to reformation as BN ministers are now taking bold steps to voice their dissatisfaction and accountability to the public."

"The detention of the five Hindraf (Hindu Rights Action Force) leaders under the same ISA is also strongly criticised as they do not continue to be a threat to security."

Thayakugan also dismissed the ISA as a draconian measure which is now obsolete.

"The discretion and powers to determine a threat to security which is subjective and decided by only a few has to be sparingly exercised."

"The MIC Youth calls upon all MPs regardless from Barisan or Pakatan to amend or repeal the ISA. This would not only boost public confidence but also reinforce foreign investors confidence."