NST Live Online Interview on 7th June 2010

Zarina:

Salam and good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to today's NSTLive session. Our guest today is Ex-MIC Sec-Gen S. Murugesan. We will start in about 30 minutes. You can start to send in your questions and comments now.

Monday June 7, 2010 1:38 Zarina

1:53

[Comment From Suchit Suchit : ] I admire your conscience act. However, why did you feel you had to go public to make your view rather than trying to bring your view to the President and CWC? Don't you think that should have been the way as you were holding the esteemable position of the Secretary General? Don't you think you have made the situation a little awkward? Monday June 7, 2010 1:53 Suchit

1:56

S. Murugessan: I can't go to the CWC as it was not in session and the next one has not been convened yet. As regards to speaking to the president , I have explained to him, by SMS the reasons behind it. I could have kept quiet and safe guard my own position, I however have a responsibility towards MIC members both as Sec Gen and an elected CWC member. In a healthy democracy, we should be able to debate issues openly. Monday June 7, 2010 1:56 S. Murugessan

1:57

[Comment From ks mann ks mann : ] I personally see what you have spoken recently is the truth and brave. After all the shouts asking President Datuk Seri Samy to step down, he still arrogant in not moving. Do you think there is a agenda behind that? And why is Deputy President is keeping mum about all this? He is seen as a failure leader. Pls comment. Monday June 7, 2010 1:57 ks mann

1:58	S. Murugessan: It's for them to answer Monday June 7, 2010 1:58 S. Murugessan

1:59	[Comment From Andrew Andrew : ] In your honest opinion, do you think DSSV will really leave according to his retirement plan or pull another one of his stunts and stay on? Monday June 7, 2010 1:59 Andrew

1:59	S. Murugessan: I think he'll stick to it.. Monday June 7, 2010 1:59 S. Murugessan

2:00	[Comment From veronica veronica : ] Do you think a fresh "true" party election is necessary ? Monday June 7, 2010 2:00 veronica

2:01	S. Murugessan: Not necessary. The delegates have already voted in all the office bearers and CWC members. The party constitution and structure is capable of dealing with the changes. Monday June 7, 2010 2:01 S. Murugessan

2:01

[Comment From Samuel Samuel : ] I have asked every Indian I know and not one of them can think of a single good thing the MIC, especially Samy Vellu has ever done for the community. From the Maika share issue to eradicating poverty, the MIC has failed miserably. Seriously, I dont think Indians here need the MIC at all. What do you think? Name me one good thing the MIC has done for the Indians! Monday June 7, 2010 2:01 Samuel

2:04

S. Murugessan: MIC has done a lot of good for the Indian community, especially in the areas of education. We have the MIED study loans, AIMST university, TAFE college for skills training. We need MIC, as under the present political scenario we need a party to be able to be the voice of the Indian community. Monday June 7, 2010 2:04 S. Murugessan

2:05	[Comment From lingam lingam : ] Do you know that you are the only MIC leader that spoken about the truth and seen as hero so far? Monday June 7, 2010 2:05 lingam

2:06	S. Murugessan: When I spoke up, I had no intention or thought about being a hero. For me that does not matter. What matters is for me to have stood up for what I believed in. Monday June 7, 2010 2:06 S. Murugessan

2:06	[Comment From Kumar Kumar : ] Has this sacking effected your practice as a lawyer? Monday June 7, 2010 2:06 Kumar

2:07	S. Murugessan: No, it has not. I have kept my legal practice and politics separate. Monday June 7, 2010 2:07 S. Murugessan

2:07	[Comment From Anna Anna : ] How about GAS..whats ur opinion? Monday June 7, 2010 2:07 Anna

2:08	S. Murugessan: Different people have different take on things and different method of doing things. Monday June 7, 2010 2:08 S. Murugessan

2:10	S. Murugessan: I'm married to Thilaga, a lawyer by profession. I have three lovely kids, Vhimall, 14, Dhaanyana, 11 and Tharini, 8. My wife was very supportive and told me I should take it in my stride, after I was dropped. Monday June 7, 2010 2:10 S. Murugessan

2:11	[Comment From abac abac : ] Tell us about your family. (wife, children). How did your wife react when your were dropped as the MIC’s secretary-general? Monday June 7, 2010 2:11 abac

2:12	[Comment From zamian zamian : ] . Do you think that the dropping and replacing you as the MIC’s secretary general a proof that MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu can never be questioned? Monday June 7, 2010 2:12 zamian

2:13	S. Murugessan: It is the prerogative of the President to appoint and replace the Sec Gen. No reason is required from him. Monday June 7, 2010 2:13 S. Murugessan

2:13	[Comment From GAGA GAGA : ] You look more Chinese than an Indian. Can you speak Chinese? Monday June 7, 2010 2:13 GAGA

2:14	S. Murugessan: I can speak a bit of Hokkien, but that is something I picked up from my Chinese friends in Klang. My mother can speak fluent Tamil. Monday June 7, 2010 2:14 S. Murugessan

2:15	[Comment From ksingam ksingam : ] How will the MIC fare in coming general election? Monday June 7, 2010 2:15 ksingam

2:16	S. Murugessan: It will fare better than the previous election. It is because of the changes that are taking place in BN and MIC. And also the choice of candidates will be more based on how well they are accepted by the voters. Monday June 7, 2010 2:16 S. Murugessan

2:17	[Comment From Suchit Suchit : ] What is your long term vision for the party? What kind of leadership qualities are needed in the next MIC President to lead the community in the current Malaysian context? Monday June 7, 2010 2:17 Suchit

2:21

S. Murugessan: My long term vision for the party is for it to be more connected with the people especially the youths. We should also be able to feel their aspirations and be able to devise a long term plan to achieve the youths aspirations. As for the leadership, each president brings in his own unique quality to the post. Under the current scenario he should be able to reach across the broad and diverse spectrum of the Indian community. Bring them together and get everybody to work towards the common good. He should be able to return the self confidence of the Indian community and regain their self respect. Monday June 7, 2010 2:21 S. Murugessan

2:21	[Comment From Nathan Nathan : ] what are your future plans in politics, you are stil a cwc member, will u continue? Monday June 7, 2010 2:21 Nathan

2:22	S. Murugessan: I've always served the community even before my appointment as the Sec Gen. I will continue serving in my role as a CWC member and be the voice of the MIC members and community. Monday June 7, 2010 2:22 S. Murugessan

2:24

[Comment From palanisamy, Kedah palanisamy, Kedah : ] Hello. Good you agreed to be on NSTLive as it gives us a chance to interact and voice what we feel. As to your answer to Ksingam, I think whatever changes happen in MIC and BN, as long as Samy Vellu is still the president, MIC will not fare well in the next general election ... what do you say Monday June 7, 2010 2:24 palanisamy, Kedah

2:24	S. Murugessan: We must look beyond the present leadership. MIC has many young and able leaders who will be able to carry their own weight. Monday June 7, 2010 2:24 S. Murugessan

2:25	[Comment From Linnie Linnie : ] That's a good vision of yours..winning the younger generations heart. Any comments on the mesuares that can be takenfor this and when ? Monday June 7, 2010 2:25 Linnie

2:27	S. Murugessan: There are many youths out there who are willing to contribute to the community through MIC. What we should do is to provide a conducive platform for them with minimal politics. Monday June 7, 2010 2:27 S. Murugessan

2:28	[Comment From Kala, Johore Kala, Johore : ] Good afternoon. Has MIC leaders (beside Samy) and members ever thought of passing a no confidence motion against Samy Vellu especially after the poor general election results, the protest by Hindraf and now the GAS Monday June 7, 2010 2:28 Kala, Johore

2:29	S. Murugessan: The president is elected by the branch chairmen. It is a matter for them to decide. Monday June 7, 2010 2:29 S. Murugessan

2:29	Monday June 7, 2010 2:29

2:30	[Comment From Rishi Rishi : ] your reply to palanasamy kedah..pls name a few young and capable leaders? Pls dont insult our intelligence by naming T.Mohan or even Komala Monday June 7, 2010 2:30 Rishi

2:32	S. Murugessan: There are many young capable leaders in MIC who are keeping a low profile. Just to name a few, YB Datuk V. S Mogan, the Negeri Sembilan chairman and YB Asojan, a Johor Exco member, just to name a few. Monday June 7, 2010 2:32 S. Murugessan

2:33	[Comment From Palanisamy, Kedah Palanisamy, Kedah : ] YOu have a good vision and I agree with you that there are many youths and professionals who want to join MIC but not with the current leadership. How are you going to woo them in Monday June 7, 2010 2:33 Palanisamy, Kedah

2:35

S. Murugessan: MIC must be able to send clear signals that we are professional in our approach and that whatever contribution they can make towards the community will have maximum returns if it is done through MIC. They must also know that ultimately the decisions are made at the political level. This is where their input will be most useful. Monday June 7, 2010 2:35 S. Murugessan

2:36	[Comment From sathiya sathiya : ] 2) do indians againts the MIC or certain ppl in MIC ? Monday June 7, 2010 2:36 sathiya

2:37	S. Murugessan: Indians are not against the MIC. They see it as an institution that must be safeguarded and feel it is part of their lives. That is why anything that happens, either good or bad, in MIC attracts so much attention. Monday June 7, 2010 2:37 S. Murugessan

2:38	[Comment From Tairu Tairu : ] Is it true that only the yes men will be able to work with Samy Vellu? Monday June 7, 2010 2:38 Tairu

2:39	S. Murugessan: Well Tairu, I have worked with him all this while and I am not a yes man. Monday June 7, 2010 2:39 S. Murugessan

2:40	[Comment From GHANA GHANA : ] What is your take on the newly appointed secretary-general Datuk T. Rajagopalu? Monday June 7, 2010 2:40 GHANA

2:41	S. Murugessan: He is an experienced and a long serving party member, Ghana. I am confident he will discharge his duties well. Monday June 7, 2010 2:41 S. Murugessan

2:41	Monday June 7, 2010 2:41

2:42	[Comment From Rachel , KL Rachel , KL : ] You are right Indians are not against MIC but its leaders. I think its about time that all Indians are drawn towards the party with new blood ... what say you? Monday June 7, 2010 2:42 Rachel , KL

2:42	[Comment From K.Balakrishnan K.Balakrishnan : ] The MIC must reinstate S.Murugessan. Monday June 7, 2010 2:42 K.Balakrishnan

2:43	S. Murugessan: Rachel, we definitely need young and energetic youths like you in MIC. You're welcome to join us. Monday June 7, 2010 2:43 S. Murugessan

2:44	[Comment From Murali ( Selangor) Murali ( Selangor) : ] Do you think the MIC president election and CWC members should conduct at the same time? Monday June 7, 2010 2:44 Murali ( Selangor)

2:44	S. Murugessan: Yes. Monday June 7, 2010 2:44 S. Murugessan

2:45

[Comment From Kartigesu, Kedah Kartigesu, Kedah : ] Hi. Is it about time we have a complete change in MIC from top to down in the line up of leaders.. I think all the current leaders, except for those hardworking ones .... the rest must go or else MIC is doomed and never change for betterment Monday June 7, 2010 2:45 Kartigesu, Kedah

2:47	S. Murugessan: Change is inevitable for any organisation that wants to stay relevant . However, Kartigesu, if you notice change in MIC is happening from bottom up. Monday June 7, 2010 2:47 S. Murugessan

2:47

[Comment From flotilla, KL flotilla, KL : ] Mr Murugesan.... Finally we see some new names coming out of those who can perform and lead the party to greater heights. Isn't it about time these new blood take over MIC. We just cannot understand why Samy gives ministerial positions to people like Palanivel who cannot even perform... Monday June 7, 2010 2:47 flotilla, KL

2:49

[Comment From Rachel , KL Rachel , KL : ] I was in and could not stand the nonsense , so I wisely got out and very happy I did. Maybe I will join back when people like you take the helm. I know of many women who left because they found themselves not doing something useful for the society and the community at large. Monday June 7, 2010 2:49 Rachel , KL

2:49	S. Murugessan: Rachel, you can still contribute by giving us your ideas and constructive criticisms. Monday June 7, 2010 2:49 S. Murugessan

2:49	[Comment From K Bala K Bala : ] We need leader like S.Murugessan to lead MIC. Not like Dato' Samy using his vito power. Monday June 7, 2010 2:49 K Bala

2:50	[Comment From CJ CJ : ] Where will MIC be by 2020 Monday June 7, 2010 2:50 CJ

2:52	S. Murugessan: MIC will be around stronger in 2020. We have done much, however, CJ, a lot more work needs to be done. I have confidence in the wisdom of the MIC delegates to vote in dynamic young leaders with integrity. Monday June 7, 2010 2:52 S. Murugessan

2:54	S. Murugessan: Suchit, I don't have the statistics right now. However, if you notice the top ten elected CWC members were below 50-years-old and some of them are fresh faces. That is a good indication that MIC delegates are moving towards younger leaders. Monday June 7, 2010 2:54 S. Murugessan

2:54	[Comment From simy simy : ] good afternoon. You one of the daring man who questioned Samy Vellu. I am really happy. Are you still working for MIC. But one thing MIC lost a very good leader by sacking u. Hope you will always voice out for the Indian community. Monday June 7, 2010 2:54 simy

2:55	S. Murugessan: I'm still a MIC member. And I will continue being the voice of the younger generation in MIC. Monday June 7, 2010 2:55 S. Murugessan

2:56

[Comment From Aishwarya , Penang Aishwarya , Penang : ] Good afternoon. My grandfather and father were strong supporters of MIC and they worked hard for the party but its sad to see how people are ridiculing it now with all the in-fights and refusal by Samy not to step down. The older generation are actually hurt by what's going on and the young generation now seriously want people like you and others to take over and bring dignity and pride of the Indian party back... Will you and others like you do it ....???? Monday June 7, 2010 2:56 Aishwarya , Penang

2:58	S. Murugessan: It was partly due to cries of youths like you Aishwarya, who are concerned about what is going on in MIC that I decided to speak up. Monday June 7, 2010 2:58 S. Murugessan

2:59	Monday June 7, 2010 2:59

2:59	S. Murugessan: You're making me blush Shy. I'll take this as a compliment. Thanks. Monday June 7, 2010 2:59 S. Murugessan

2:59

[Comment From Shy , Penang Shy , Penang : ] I think we should have some good looking guys like you in MIC to attract young competent women leaders in :). We are in the 21st century with the present generation having so much of new idealism, motivations and drive.... don't you think so :)))))) Monday June 7, 2010 2:59 Shy , Penang

3:00	[Comment From mannan mannan : ] should you not be grateful to mic president who had picked u to contest for the subang seat and appointed u as the secretary general. some say yr closeness to ohms thiagarajan is the reason for going against samy vellu Monday June 7, 2010 3:00 mannan

3:06

S. Murugessan: I was a panel solicitor for Ohms group of companies before I became active in politics. In fact, I gave up that lucrative account because of the political difference between the President and Ohms. The decision was my own. There is no need to drag others into it. I am thankful for the opportunities given by the president and I have already thanked him both publicly and privately for it. Mannan, the President appointed me to those post for me to perform and not to buy my silence. I'm sure the President sees it that way as well. I owe a responsibility to the party and to the community to speak up for what I believe in. Monday June 7, 2010 3:06 S. Murugessan

3:06	[Comment From sathiya sathiya : ] Are you going to contest for top post in MIC coming party election ? Monday June 7, 2010 3:06 sathiya

3:07	S. Murugessan: Yes. Monday June 7, 2010 3:07 S. Murugessan

3:08	[Comment From CJ CJ : ] Do you regret that you were fired from MIC? Monday June 7, 2010 3:08 CJ

3:08	S. Murugessan: I have no regrets being fired as Sec Gen CJ. I'm still a MIC member. Monday June 7, 2010 3:08 S. Murugessan

3:08	[Comment From guru guru : ] I believe many more admire your bravery especially when during the tense moments, you from nowhere stood up to do you duty placed upon you when more senior members just stood by with a wait and see attitude. thank you. Monday June 7, 2010 3:08 guru

3:10

[Comment From Mike Mike : ] Seriously, bro, you should join another political party and contest the next GE. For sure, the great Samy Vellu is not going to field you. And for sure, if he is still around, the MIC will probably lose all seats. Why not you go for it. Stand up for the rights of the Indians and I am sure you will get all our votes. You dont need the MIC to succeed bro ,,, it is after all day by day becoming more irrelevant than it already is! Monday June 7, 2010 3:10 Mike

3:11	S. Murugessan: Mike, I will stick with MIC in good times or in bad. We can bring changes from within. Monday June 7, 2010 3:11 S. Murugessan

3:12

[Comment From Kandasamy Kandasamy : ] Are there people in the present MIC leadership who would work for the people? Don't you think it is better to dissolve the MIC and form a new party comprising of some new set of people committed to help the people rather helping themselves? Monday June 7, 2010 3:12 Kandasamy

3:13

S. Murugessan: There are many in MIC who genuinely work for the people. We should not forget that MIC has the most extensive network of branches amongst Indian based parties. It will be almost impossible to recreate another party with MIC's reach in the near future. Monday June 7, 2010 3:13 S. Murugessan

3:15	[Comment From CJ CJ : ] How are you going to bring changes if you are still going to stick with MIC...Lots of them would be against you? Monday June 7, 2010 3:15 CJ

3:16	S. Murugessan: CJ, you will be surprised with the number of CWC members, division and branch chairmen who have personally thanked me for making the stand. Monday June 7, 2010 3:16 S. Murugessan

3:17	Zarina: Okay guys...we're wrapping it up...Thanks for participating...Nice to have everyone on board in this session...We'll see you in the next NSTLive session... Monday June 7, 2010 3:17 Zarina

3:19

S. Murugessan: I would to thank the NST for giving me this opportunity and thanked the participants for their views and questions. I see great potential in our youths and I am confident that they will bring the community to greater heights. MIC must provide the platform for them and organise the grassroot to bring about meaningful change. Thank you. Monday June 7, 2010 3:19 S. Murugessan

3:20	Zarina: NSTLive signing out...