MIC president S Samy Vellu today said that former members of the party including those who were expelled can appeal for readmission.

However, he said the MIC headquarters will scrutinise the applications by those who were sacked for breaching party discipline such as working with opposition parties during elections.

samy vellu exclusive on tamil schools 080708 06 "This is to ensure that they are sincere in returning and working for the party. Loyalty to the party is paramount.

"The party will not tolerate anyone who attempts to cause disunity and damage the image and reputation of MIC or indulge in activities detrimental to the party," he added in a statement.

On the same note, the veteran politician said MIC will not 'pinch' members from other political parties but if they are interested to join MIC, the door will be opened to them as well.

Closed branches to reopen

The president also revealed that MIC branches which are defunct or closed will also be revived and energised with new leaders subject to the approval of the Registrar of Societies.

The MIC headquarters, he said, has already started this exercise.

"Although I feel that more branches could be revived or activated. We will identify the branches concerned.

"Towards this end, I will chair a special committee to look into appeals by the former members which will then be brought to the attention of the central working committee," he added.

Samy Vellu, who was recently returned unopposed as president for a record 11th term, said MIC will also hold discussions with other Indian-based parties.

But this, he stressed, was not with the intention of merging, but to work with MIC on a long-term basis based on a win-win situation.

"MIC has held such talks with these parties but there were no commitments from them at that time. Let us reconvene and come with an open mind and a give-and-take attitude," he said.

"MIC will discuss with the smaller Indian-based parties to join hands with MIC through partnership, but at the same time, they will maintain their party structure and independence.

"We will work as a team under one roof and speak with one voice. Towards this end, I will soon write to all the Indian-based parties of our offer in uniting the Indian community," he added.

Permanent solution for Maika Holdings

Meanwhile, Samy Vellu also assured the shareholders of Maika Holdings that a permanent solution will be found to address all the problems.

"The company is aware of the shortcomings and hurdles. It is also aware that there are certain quarters working towards destroying the company and using it as a political tool.

maika holdings berhad "But I want to make it clear that the company will protect and safeguard the interest of the shareholders," he said.

"I have been informed that the company is in the midst of working out a solution which will benefit the shareholders. Their priority is to ensure a fair deal for the shareholders," he added.

Maika Holdings is the debt-ridden financial arm of MIC, which is helmed by the president's son Vell Paari.

Samy Vellu also called on the party branch and divisional chairpersons to "buckle up and be prepared to encounter challenges."

"They will be required to make changes and discard the 'old thinking'," he said.