PM's speech that ruffled feathers
Published: Sep 12, 2009 3:20 PM | Updated: Sep 12, 2009 7:08 PM
MIC deputy president aspirants S Subramaniam and S Sothinathan welcomed Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's stirring speech reminding Barisan Nasional component party leaders to work hard and be close to the people.
The speech may not have gone down well among the president's camp but the two contenders for the number two post give it the thumbs up.
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MIC deputy president aspirants S Subramaniam and S Sothinathan welcomed Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's stirring speech reminding Barisan Nasional component party leaders to work hard and be close to the people.
Subramaniam felt that the premier's speech was inspiring and reassuring. “This is what is necessary for the Indian community.”
“We want MIC to be strong and be positive towards BN. We have to go to the ground and bring back the support of the Indian community,” said the former deputy president who is attempting to make comeback.
Subramaniam, who is MIC president S Samy Vellu's arch nemesis, stressed that the most important thing that Najib mentioned was for MIC to regain the support of the community.
In his opening speech at MIC's 63rd AGM in Kuala Lumpur this morning, the premier urged all BN component party leaders to be popular with their respective communities and not in their parties alone.
Najib's remark was seen as being targeted at Samy Vellu, who is currently under pressure to step down.
The battle for No 2 is crucial since a defeat for the president's man and incumbent G Palanivel will signal that the delegates no longer have confidence in the leadership of its 73-year-old leader, who has helmed the party for three decades.
Gives new impetus
Meanwhile, Sothinathan, who was once Samy Vellu's blue-eyed boy, said he accepted the advice and views of Najib for the future of MIC.
“It gives us a new impetus and motivation. I agree with the call for MIC to have a Key Performance Index to get the support of the Indian community.
“We must make sure that all leaders work for the Indian community and Malaysians at large,” he added.
Sothinathan, who like Subramaniam is riding on the clarion call of change, added that he also welcomed the prime minister's call for leaders to be in touch with the people, and not be arrogant.
“That is what we need now. Now is the time to be close to the rakyat and not to show one's strength and wealth,” he stressed.
Subramaniam felt that the premier's speech was inspiring and reassuring. “This is what is necessary for the Indian community.”“We want MIC to be strong and be positive towards BN. We have to go to the ground and bring back the support of the Indian community,” said the former deputy president who is attempting to make comeback.
Subramaniam, who is MIC president S Samy Vellu's arch nemesis, stressed that the most important thing that Najib mentioned was for MIC to regain the support of the community.
In his opening speech at MIC's 63rd AGM in Kuala Lumpur this morning, the premier urged all BN component party leaders to be popular with their respective communities and not in their parties alone.
Najib's remark was seen as being targeted at Samy Vellu, who is currently under pressure to step down.
The battle for No 2 is crucial since a defeat for the president's man and incumbent G Palanivel will signal that the delegates no longer have confidence in the leadership of its 73-year-old leader, who has helmed the party for three decades.
Gives new impetus
Meanwhile, Sothinathan, who was once Samy Vellu's blue-eyed boy, said he accepted the advice and views of Najib for the future of MIC.
“It gives us a new impetus and motivation. I agree with the call for MIC to have a Key Performance Index to get the support of the Indian community.
“We must make sure that all leaders work for the Indian community and Malaysians at large,” he added.
Sothinathan, who like Subramaniam is riding on the clarion call of change, added that he also welcomed the prime minister's call for leaders to be in touch with the people, and not be arrogant.
“That is what we need now. Now is the time to be close to the rakyat and not to show one's strength and wealth,” he stressed.
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