MIC promises action against Dr M basher
Published: Sep 14, 2009 11:19 AM | Updated: Sep 14, 2009 11:21 AM
The MIC will take disciplinary action against one of its delegates who had suggested that a garland of slippers be placed on the portrait of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad at the party's general assembly yesterday.
The MIC will take disciplinary action against one of its delegates who had suggested that a garland of slippers be placed on the portrait of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad at the party's general assembly yesterday.
MIC president S Samy Vellu said he deeply regretted the statement made by the delegate and would ask the delegate concerned to give an explanation to the party's disciplinary committee.
Samy Vellu said in a statement today that he had asked the delegate concerned to end his speech immediately after making the statement on the 'garland of slippers' yesterday, but his instruction was not reported by the media.
He said this to clarify the report in Utusan Malaysia today on the statement by a MIC delegate who wanted the garland of slippers to be placed on Mahathir's portrait.
Samy Vellu said he had informed the MIC delegates to give the highest respect to Mahathir who had done a lot for the country.
"I realise that Dr Mahathir's statement on the MIC had offended many delegates but there was no necessity to criticise him in such a manner," he said.
Samy Vellu said he respected the delegates' freedom to debate on any issue but when it touched on a national leader, he had to intervene.
Mahathir had given his views on the MIC, Samy Vellu and the decision of former MIC deputy president S Subramaniam to contest the post of deputy president at the MIC general assembly held on Saturday and Sunday, which had angered several MIC members.
Umno anger over remark
Meanwhile, the criticisms made by the MIC delegates against Mahathir had drawn brickbats from Umno leaders who described such an act as excessive and rude.
Umno Youth vice-head Razali Ibrahim said such an act was not part of the Barisan Nasional (BN) culture and that the MIC should be responsible and take appropriate action.
"Action must be taken by the BN if the MIC does not take any action on the matter. It must be taken to uphold decorum in the BN," he said in a statement today.
Razali, who is also the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, said Umno Youth felt that "such an act does not help to divert public attention from the actual position of the MIC. Respect must be earned and not demanded."
In ALOR SETAR, the Kedah Umno expressed regret over the attitude of the MIC delegate concerned and described such suggestion as uncalled for and should not have been made by the member of a BN component party.
The state Umno liaison deputy chairperson Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah said although Mahathir was said to have interfered in the affairs of the MIC by making the statement, there were many other ways to convey their displeasure.
"The suggestion reflects that the Indian community in the country does not appreciate Mahathir's deeds and contributions to the community. This shows their shallow thinking.
"In this context, Kedah Umno wants MIC president Samy Vellu to tender an open apology to Dr Mahathir," he said.
- Bernama
MIC president S Samy Vellu said he deeply regretted the statement made by the delegate and would ask the delegate concerned to give an explanation to the party's disciplinary committee.
Samy Vellu said in a statement today that he had asked the delegate concerned to end his speech immediately after making the statement on the 'garland of slippers' yesterday, but his instruction was not reported by the media.He said this to clarify the report in Utusan Malaysia today on the statement by a MIC delegate who wanted the garland of slippers to be placed on Mahathir's portrait.
Samy Vellu said he had informed the MIC delegates to give the highest respect to Mahathir who had done a lot for the country.
"I realise that Dr Mahathir's statement on the MIC had offended many delegates but there was no necessity to criticise him in such a manner," he said.
Samy Vellu said he respected the delegates' freedom to debate on any issue but when it touched on a national leader, he had to intervene.
Mahathir had given his views on the MIC, Samy Vellu and the decision of former MIC deputy president S Subramaniam to contest the post of deputy president at the MIC general assembly held on Saturday and Sunday, which had angered several MIC members.
Umno anger over remark
Meanwhile, the criticisms made by the MIC delegates against Mahathir had drawn brickbats from Umno leaders who described such an act as excessive and rude.
Umno Youth vice-head Razali Ibrahim said such an act was not part of the Barisan Nasional (BN) culture and that the MIC should be responsible and take appropriate action.
"Action must be taken by the BN if the MIC does not take any action on the matter. It must be taken to uphold decorum in the BN," he said in a statement today.
Razali, who is also the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, said Umno Youth felt that "such an act does not help to divert public attention from the actual position of the MIC. Respect must be earned and not demanded."
In ALOR SETAR, the Kedah Umno expressed regret over the attitude of the MIC delegate concerned and described such suggestion as uncalled for and should not have been made by the member of a BN component party.
The state Umno liaison deputy chairperson Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah said although Mahathir was said to have interfered in the affairs of the MIC by making the statement, there were many other ways to convey their displeasure.
"The suggestion reflects that the Indian community in the country does not appreciate Mahathir's deeds and contributions to the community. This shows their shallow thinking.
"In this context, Kedah Umno wants MIC president Samy Vellu to tender an open apology to Dr Mahathir," he said.
- Bernama
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