Great Leader finally makes a stand

Is MIC, the party that claims to represent the interest of the Indian community, finally revolting against the continued marginalisation of the community in Malaysia?

MIC president S Samy Vellu has banned all Deepavali celebrations by the party’s elected representatives as a mark of protest against the demolition of a 100-year-old temple in Shah Alam last week.

This is without doubt the party’s most vocal and critical statement of protest on the continuing demolition of Hindu temples in Malaysia, especially in Selangor.

Well, the ban, announced through a press statement, means the party’s seven members of parliament - including one full minister, three deputy ministers and three parliamentary secretaries - and all 19 state assemblypersons, including seven excos, will not be holding open houses or any other form of celebrations for Deepavali.

Deepavali falls on Nov 8 and it has been customary for all MIC leaders - both national and state levels - to hold open houses to celebrate the Festival of Lights.

Samy Vellu said his own open house - an annual event - has also been cancelled.

"MIC is saddened by the demolition of the temple. The demolition has hurt the feelings of the Indian community in this country," he said.

Samy Vellu also advised all party leaders to celebrate Deepavali moderately in the company of family and friends.

I think the ban was not only necessitated by the temple incident.

As I see it, the fact that Umno is holding its annual general meeting during Deepavali is also a slap in the face for MIC, especially when the government is never slow is shouting and crying about how united and racially bonded we all are.

Could the veteran be sending a strong but silent message to Umno with the ban, especially when the government has always taken from granted the Indian votes?

All eyes will now be on Samy Vellu and his party leaders to see if they would be attending a national-level Deepavali open house organised by the Culture, Art and Heritage Ministry on Nov 11 at the KL Sentral parking space in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur.