KUALA LUMPUR - MIC Deputy President Datuk Seri M. Saravanan has claimed that while the party did not directly benefit from the leadership of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, the Indian community experienced significant progress during his tenure.
Saravanan made these remarks following a special prayer session held for Najib, who is currently serving a prison sentence.
When asked why prayers were not organised for other high-profile cases, Saravanan provided a twofold explanation. He highlighted that there were two main reasons for the prayer session: the first being that MIC had served under Najib's leadership and the second being his personal experience working under seven different prime ministers.
Saravanan emphasised that, among all the prime ministers he had served under, Najib was the only one who had truly done a lot for the Indian community, not just for MIC.
"There are two reasons. First, we have served under Najib. Second, I’ve personally served under seven prime ministers, and Najib is the only leader who truly did a lot for the Indian community, not for MIC," Saravanan said, speaking to Sinar Daily.
Saravanan also addressed claims that Najib had strengthened MIC, revealing that Najib's leadership strategy had, in fact, 'sidelined' the party.
"If someone blames us for benefiting from Najib, the gospel truth is this: Najib actually bypassed MIC. "Until former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, every prime minister worked through MIC to address issues within the Indian community. But the moment Najib became prime minister, he bypassed MIC entirely. "He delivered directly to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the Indian community, not through us. So no, we did not benefit, but the community did," he added.
The Tapah MP credited Najib for initiating reforms and introducing measures that had a significant impact on the Indian community. One key example he cited was Najib’s decision to issue six new licences for Tamil schools—an unprecedented move that no other prime minister had undertaken.
"For years, we pleaded for new licences for Tamil schools, but no one listened. In fact, existing licences were being removed. "Najib immediately recognised the need and gave six new licences," Saravanan said.
He also highlighted the increase in matriculation slots for Indian students during Najib’s administration, with the number of slots rising from 700 to 2,002.
"Najib ensured more opportunities for Indian students. Under his administration, we saw JPA scholarships, increased Indian representation in the public sector, and funding for temples grow exponentially," Saravanan said. He stated that before Najib, annual funding for Hindu temples stood at RM1 million, but during Najib’s tenure, this amount increased to several million. According to Saravanan, this funding was not routed through MIC, but instead went directly to the Indian community, benefiting associations such as the Telugu and Malayalee associations.
Saravanan said that the continued support for Najib from the Indian community was a testament to his contributions.
"Some people claim MIC benefited, but the truth is, we became weaker during Najib’s leadership. Despite that, we sincerely acknowledge what he did for the Indian community,” Saravanan said.
He emphasised that Najib’s contributions were the reason the Indian community held him in such high regard.
"Najib’s policies weren’t just talk; they translated into real benefits for the community. That’s why Indians love him so much,” he added.
The prayer session for Najib was not just a political gesture but a reflection of gratitude from a community that feels its needs were genuinely addressed during his leadership.
Earlier, more than a thousand MIC members and supporters turned up at the steps of Batu Caves in solidarity with Najib.
Clad in white shirts with MIC logos, the massive crowd had begun gathering at the temple grounds as early as 10am.
Supporters were also seen carrying banners with Najib's picture on it with the words "Solidarity With Najib” highlighted in bold.
With the arrival of Saravanan, the crowd began entering the temple to offer their prayers.