Samy Vellu 'could have done more' for Indians

KUALA LUMPUR: The Barisan Nasional government is not solely to be blamed for the dissatisfaction of the Indians in the country.

The person who should shoulder the blame is MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, said Malaysian Indian Business Association president P. Sivakumar.

"When Samy Vellu became the MIC president in 1982, the community hero-worshipped him and gave him their support. But, he failed miserably to speak out for the Indians when he had the chance to do so and disappointed them."

Sivakumar said Samy Vellu should have put his foot down when confronted by those who stood in his way.

"He may have done things for the Indians, but he failed on the bigger issue. He cannot blame the government alone."

Giving an example, Sivakumar cited the drive to industrialise in the early 1980s which forced thousands of Indians out of plantations.

He said Samy Vellu should have fought for jobs, training, grants and housing for them.

"He should have asked for an allocation to nurture them. This is where the government could have ensured that the nation's wealth was fairly distributed."

Sivakumar said the agricultural knowledge of these people could have been put to good use "but all the talents are lost now".

Instead, hardcore and urban poverty was created with many youths choosing a life of crime to support themselves.

NST online