Problems of the Indian community in Malaysia not critical: MIC

Problems faced by the Indian community in Malaysia are localised and not at a critical level as claimed by Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) and the opposition.

Ipoh, Dec 27 : Problems faced by the Indian community in Malaysia are localised and not at a critical level as claimed by Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) and the opposition.

Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) Youth chief S.A. Vigneswaran, who described the problems as "not critical", gave an assurance that these issues, which include housing and unemployment, would be resolved within a month.

For a start, he said that data on the number of unemployed Indians would be compiled and submitted to the government.

MIC Youth had identified these problems and issues during its one-week nationwide tour to explain to the community the political situation in the country and issues affecting the community.

"It's not that they (Indian community) are not happy with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi or Samy Vellu, but the opposition has taken advantage of the situation by identifying these issues and blowing them out of proportion," he said.

Vigneswaran also said apart from the MIC, youth wings from the People's Progressive Party, Gerakan and Indian Progressive Front would be mobilised to go to the grassroots and help compile data on problems affecting the Indian community.

"We admit that there might be some dissatisfaction, but they must realise that only the government can help solve these problems," The New Straits Times Online quoted him, as saying.

On whether the support for the government has weakened in view of recent developments, Vigneswaran warned the Indian community not to gamble away their future by voting for the opposition in the general election.

ANI