MIC has called on the government to expedite the establishment of a inter-race relations council which was mooted by the party to discuss race-based issues.

MIC president S Samy Vellu said the council could be formed even before the proposed Race Relations Act is tabled in Parliament.

mic youth division launch pc 040908 samy vellu 02"The MIC hopes that this council will be set up soon because it can stop bickering among various quarters on racial matters which can create negative perceptions," said Samy Vellu in a statement today.

He added that the council could then be incorporated into the Act at a later stage, stressing that the council would provide a closed-door platform for the public to air their views in a co-ordinated and systematic way.

"This will ensure that while we are able to discuss matters freely, they will also not be taken out of context as they are discussed within the parameters of the council," he said.

He added that the council should also be given powers to ensure that its proposals are accepted and implemented by the government.

Samy Vellu also suggested that the public be allowed to decide on the composition of council members through the media, government channels and over the Internet.