PM Anwar understands MIC's grievances, asks room to resolve Indian issues

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today assured the MIC leadership that the unity government will prioritise resolving issues affecting Indians, particularly those concerning education and the hardcore poverty.

The Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman said he understood MIC's complaints about how they claimed to be stepchildren in Barisan Nasional (BN), especially in the matter of seat distribution for the six state elections, as well as positions in the Cabinet and government-related companies.

However, he stressed that the country's current situation required all parties to put aside the issue of political interests temporarily but needed to work together to solve more critical issues such as extreme poverty.

"I want to assure you (MIC leaders and grassroots) this is not just a political statement. We may have different opinions but don't question that I want to serve the country, ensure that every resident has a place in this country and am proud to be a Malaysian.

"The senior leaders of BN, Umno, of course, including MIC and MCA have made a critical decision under a highly complex situation, to support the formation of a unity government.

"And I hope our achievements in the last eight months prove we are on a new path. A shift from past policies that only cause division and are loaded with political narratives," Anwar said in a special meeting with MIC at Dewan Sivaji, MIC building today.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, MIC president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran, MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan, as well as senior MIC leaders in the central and divisional divisions.

Speaking further, Anwar reminded the audience that his responsibility as Prime Minister was not to one race alone but to all races and ethnicities in this country.

"I'm not saying I'm the only Malay leader who dares to argue like this... but not many dare to face the people, face groups that use racial issues, who deliberately bring up religious issues harshly. I absolutely will not tolerate it.

"If I lead, as Prime Minister, I will not be responsible in fulfilling my duties if I do not care for the interests of all races in this country," he emphasised.

The media previously reported that senior MIC leaders intend to meet with the Prime Minister to voice their dissatisfaction as if the party has no use in the unity government.

Vigneswaran, in his introductory speech, said that MIC had been sidestepped in positions and seat distribution in the upcoming state election in six states.

However, the former president of the Malaysian Senate said he assured the party would continue supporting Anwar as Prime Minister to ensure stability and the fight against Indians in this country. - AWANI