Time to Move On

Last Saturday the 62nd AGM of MIC was successfully conducted and concluded. Unlike previous years, this AGM was held for only one day in order to balance up cost due to increased number of participants.

The 62nd AGM had a special significance as it was the first AGM held after the party’s worst ever performance in the polls. A spate of resignations and call for the President to step down that preceded the AGM had cast a shadow of uncertainty on how the AGM might proceed.

This year’s AGM was also special in that all 3,500 plus branch chairmen were invited to it. Previously, only delegates were entitled to attend national AGMs.

For those unfamiliar with the system, there are branches, followed by divisions, states and then the national level. All branches in a parliamentary constituency will form a division. However, not all branch chairmen will be eligible to attend and vote at the national AGM.

Each division will be allotted a number of delegates in proportion with the number of branches and those delegates will be voted in through a divisional level election. Therefore, it explains why there are only around 1,500 delegates to the national AGM whilst there are 3,500 plus branch chairmen nationwide.

The decision to allow the participation of all branch chairmen at this year’s AGM is commendable especially in view of the post 8th March era. We should allow for as an inclusive discussion as possible and listen to all views, even though it might be diametrically opposed to our own views. I was encouraged by the fact that this trend was allowed to flourish at the AGM.

Although the AGM went on till 7.00 pm to allow for as many delegates as possible to air their views, many didn’t get a chance to speak at the podium. It is my sincere wish that in subsequent years we revert to the 2 days’ AGM format to allow for a longer period of debates and to facilitate delegates to interact with each other. Perhaps we can cut corners on other expenses or schedule the AGM in such a manner so as not to incur an extra day’s accommodation expense.

‘Rebranding MIC’ was officially introduced to the branch chairmen and they were allowed to debate on it. The notion that ‘Rebranding MIC’ was merely limited to change of logo, songs or the flag was dispelled at the AGM. Delegates were given a handbook that outlined the aim and extent of the rebranding exercise. ‘Rebranding MIC’ was well received as the delegates came to realize that the exercise went beyond a face lift and that it touched the very core of MIC.

Now that MIC AGM is behind us and the Rebranding exercise is underway, we have to get on with the business of winning back the confidence of Malaysian Indians.

We can only do this with actions that match our words. We can only do it by proving that MIC has leaders with integrity, character and sound judgment; leaders that walk the talk. There is neither short-cut nor window dressing for this.

With conscience as our only guide and God as our witness, we have to formulate policies and make hard decisions that will reverse the notion that we are second class citizens in our own land and uplift our community on par with the rest of the nation.

Recent back peddling by the opposition on issues concerning the Indians have shown that whilst others might raise a hue and cry, only MIC could deliver. What Malaysian Indians are asking, is not for preferential treatments or for special favours. That they have confidence in their own hard work and ability is beyond question.

What they ask, is to be given equal opportunity and to be treated as equals not merely in the letters of the law but in the implementation of government policies and development plans.

It’s about time MIC moves away from its role as a salesman of government policies and reverts to its original mission of steering the government towards equality and fairness to all its citizens.

These measures must be undertaken not to win back the votes, although votes are a good indicator as to how aligned we are with the aspiration our people, but for the simple reason that MIC is the only organization that is truly in a position to affect these changes.

It will serve leaders of MIC to bear in mind that, as harsh as judgment of our contemporaries may seem, history will judge us harsher still if we fail in this our mission.

For the sake of all our children and our children’s children, its time for MIC to move on with it.

Murugesan Sinnandavar