I refer to the letter Pakatan better off without Manikavasagam.

The writer’s demoralising arguments and harmful comments about the position of Indians in Pakatan Rakyat and their status in Malaysia is quite disturbing and hurtful. His opinions and comments sound similar to those who advocate Umno supremacy.

I know for a fact, that Umno was willing to give more ministerial posts to MIC under the regime of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad but it was Samy Vellu for his own selfish reasons who declined the posts and instead opted for deputy ministerial and parliamentary secretarial posts for his party.

We should not forget the fact that at one time, MIC had three full ministerial positions under the leadership of the late Tan Sri Manickavasagam and Tun VT Sambanthan.

Therefore, the writer’s arguments that the Indians were given a better deal with Pakatan Rakyat and should learn to be contented with what has been given to them is ridiculous and uncalled for.

Through my observations, S Manickavasagam truly represents the people of Kapar, the majority of whom are from the lower income bracket, comprising people of all races. He is carrying out his duties as an elected member of Parliament diligently and with honesty.

Since he is an Indian MP, it is natural for the Indians in his constituency and other parts of the country to approach him on matters concerning them for advice and guidance at a time when their true leaders are being held under the Internal Security Act.

It is also becoming a fact that the majority of Indians do not seem to bother about the existence of MIC as it is increasingly becoming irrelevant to the needs of the Indian community. It is also slowly losing the status of being the only Indian voice on the Malaysian political landscape.

So, amidst these developments within the Indian community, the writer’s comments that PKR should sack Manickavasagam as it is better off without him, raise doubts about his judgement and true intentions.

Any newly-established coalition would most likely to encounter issues, problems, differences of opinions, misunderstandings and disagreements of political, economical and social nature.

It is the party’s utmost duty and responsibility to listen, exchange views and solves the issues and problems of any kind amicably and harmoniously without diminishing the solidarity of the party.

This is also part and parcel of the process of growing up and consolidating as a united coalition for a common purpose.

Pakatan is currently going through the acid test of survival and their every action and strategy of handling the party’s and people’s issues will tell us of more of the coalition’s true intrinsic mission, intention and colour.

Are they truly what they are claiming to be or are they merely a party of convenience out to capture the throne?

If one is truly interested in the building of a just and fair Pakatan Rakyat, one should put forward constructive ideas for party-building instead of divesting into recommendations of sacking the person because he has made some noise and exposed certain truths about state governance.

It is just a pathetic and appalling recommendation.

The call of Makkal Sakthi and Hindraf acted as a catalyst for change in the political scene in Malaysia and one should not be so disrespectful of any marginalised community or under-value the sacrifices made by them.