After decades of marginalisation and segregation, Indians should be cautious about the government’s true intentions to transform

MIC president G Palanivel claims that there is a marked increase in the support shown by the Indian community for the Barisan Nasional. This is an understatement. While they may be confident of recapturing lost seats, I seriously doubt if the MIC is capable of performing better in the next general election.

I strongly believe that there will be unprecedented turnout in the coming general election. The critical question is: Has the Barisan Nasional changed and are they capable of displaying a new style of governance with transparency and accountability?

The Malaysian political climate has somewhat changed for the better after the last general election and there has been remarkable improvement in domestic politics where the public has become more vocal and responsive.

While the country holds enormous potential for the future, will talented Indians gain an opportunity? What pragmatic measures are there in place presently to accelerate the success of the Indian community?

Najib, on the other hand, says that Barisan Nasional parties should completely avoid internal conflicts, functionalism and no sabotage. But these problems are unavoidable for existing Barisan Nasional leaders are refusing to vacate and/or pave the way for new comers.

Moreover some leaders of Barisan Nasional are too complacent and have become redundant in politics but continue to hold power and are refusing to adopt changes. They have in fact become a liability to Barisan Nasional.

It is clear that the MIC under the present volatile political climate will not be able to conduct business as usual unless there is a new prescription.

The MIC must find solutions to emerging newer problems faced by the Indian community. Some of these problems are serious and current leaders are either shelving or conveniently ignoring them:-

- How will they prepare the Indian community to face the borderless future?;

- How will they prepare the community to acquire and possess a competitive edge?;

- Is the Indian community capable enough to influence policy or decision making?

They cannot employ the old approach or tactics but instead must be ready to create new opportunities so as to enable the community to reach new heights. There is a need for innovative measures specifically tailored to suit the peculiar needs of the community. The party must be determined to do things differently and must be prepared to take risks.

Of late there is some conciliatory gestures being offered by the government which are purely momentous policy decisions but the important question is, is that enough to transform the community?

Only time will demonstrate if this proposed transformation changes are for real or a mere fallacy.