Thursday, March 12, 2009

DATO' SERI S SAMY VELLU - A SELFLESS LEADER


As of late much criticism has been directed at MIC party president Dato Seri S. Samy Vellu. It seems that he is the proverbial glass house and everybody and anybody have a divine right to revel in taking pot shots at him. There have been calls for him to step down and relinquish his position within the party. I’d like to highlight certain truths about the leader of the Indian community in this country for the last 30 years. It cannot be denied that everything is not perfect; something’s could have been dealt with differently, better handled perhaps. However equally true is the fact that there have been countless positive effects from his leadership not only too many individuals but also in policy making and implementation of government policy that has benefited the whole Indian society in Malaysia.


A reflection on the strides our community has taken in the last 30 years is testament to his leadership and stewardship. In short space of time we as a community have grown in leaps and bounds in terms of economic prosperity, academic achievement, and social upward mobility when compared to generations before us. Could this have been achieved without the vision and tenacity of a selfless leader? The answer is a logical and emphatic no. MIC as a party has contributed more than RM 100 million to the education of Indian children over the last 30 years. Another milestone achievement of esteemed Dato Seri S Samy Vellu is the creation of the AIMST University and off course TAFE College. For the record it’s the only Indian owned university outside off India and it caters for the educational needs of our children. All this achievements are the result of MIC efforts as a party and reflect the quality of the president.


On calls for his resignation I’d like to point out that there are only 2 ways that will happen. One is when Dato’ Seri S Samy Vellu himself feels that he cannot contribute anymore and a new person is needed to take over and voluntarily releases power. He is a man of great convictions and clarity and I’m sure he will make that decision when the time is right and not a second earlier. The other way for him to leave the party is of course due process of elections within the party. Anyone is free to stand against him and claim the presidency. But the point to note here is that his fate is in the hands of the 650 000 MIC members and they will decide, in fact they should decide and not anybody else. As long as the party members endorse him and his leadership then he has every right to continue serving the community. Also asking Dato’ Seri S Samy Vellu to leave now is like asking a child to leave his ailing parent in their time of need. No child can do that, and Dato’ Seri S Samy Vellu is needed to restore the splendor and confidence of the party at the moment.

In conclusion I’d like to say to the party president’s critics that he is listening to the voice of the people, he is aware of their needs and aspirations but he also needs all our support to help him achieve our collective goals. Change for the sake of change benefits no one. So while constructive criticisms are always welcomed yet let it be done in the spirit of cooperation and improvement and not unfairness and unfounded malice.



MY VIEWS......


Please read my article again.

No comments: