I didn't compromise over Interlok withdrawal: Subra

MIC deputy president Dr S Subramaniam today dismissed allegations he had compromised on his stand that the 'Interlok' novel should be withdrawn as a textbook for Form Five students.

"In all my discussions in the cabinet at the last few meetings I strongly represented the views of the Indian community, and the impact the book would have on the minds of the community and young people," he said in a statement.

Subramaniam, who is the human resource minister, said he had repeatedly reiterated at the weekly cabinet meetings the Indian community's stand that the novel must not be used as a literature textbook.

"There is absolutely no truth to the allegations and the rumours that have been spread on the matter," he said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Muhyiddin Yassin had said yesterday that he had a formula to resolve the issue over the novel and would hold discussions with MIC leaders on the matter soon.

Malaysian Indians had protested against the use of the novel, written by national laureate Abdullah Hussain, as a component of Malay literature in Form Five, arguing that the book contained inaccurate and disparaging remarks about the Indian community.

MIC vice-president SK Devamany (left), meanwhile, reiterated the call for the the novel to be dropped immediately.

"We don't need further discussions. The bookmust be withdrawn from the Malay literature syllabus on grounds that it is unsuitable for students," said the deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Department in a separate statement.

Urging the government to respect "the feelings of the Indian community" on the issue, Devamany said many were angry with the use of the word 'pariah' in the book.

Arguing that "the mind of a 17-year-old" cannot be equated with that of an adult, Devamany said there was the possibility that the offensive word be perpetuated by students of other ethnic groups when a misunderstanding breaks out.

"Interlok demeans and derogates the Indian community. Surely Interlok cannot promote racial unity and is contrary to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's 1Malaysia concept."