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'Too many
political parties dividing Malay Indian community'
Kuala
Lumpur: Malay-Indian community leaders have expressed concern over the presence
of too many political parties claiming representation of the eight percent Indian
population in Malaysia. The Malaysian Indian United Party was formed last year,
while two Indian political parties were launched this year, including the Makkal
Sakthi Malaysia Party. At least six more Indian groups are waiting for the Registrar
of Societies to approve their application to form parties. Addressing a forum
of the Indian undergraduates from about 40 universities and colleges in University
Malaya, Petra Group CEO Vinod Sekhar said the presence of too many political parties
may result in dividing and alienating the Malay Indian community. "There is simply
too much politics in our community and there are too many political factions and
leaders claiming to speak for the community," The Star Online quoted him, as saying.
"We are not developing confidence as a community as leaders and being part of
a dynamic and growing nation," he added. The participants argued that not only
are the emergence of new Indian political parties a worrying trend, there is a
split in existing parties with rival factions each claiming to be the president
and "owner" of the party. "While our parents worry about scholarships, jobs and
our future, our political leaders are busy fighting each other at our expense,"
a student said. Sekhar intended to set up the Malaysian Indian Reform Movement,
which was an apolitical movement, dedicated to discussion, debate and finding
solutions for the community. . "They can't have any political leanings but are
concerned for our community to discuss and find solutions. We need a platform
where all Indians can come together without rancour to spark a revival and renaissance
in the Indian community," he said.
