Putera MIC: My Views

It’s been very long since I wrote political articles. Maybe even articles of social importance. I just considered that phase to have been dormant in me for some time, though I always knew when there was something that was worth giving my two cents, I’d be doing it. Here’s one. It concerns the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC). Or more accurately, the youth wing of MIC which is Putera MIC.

Now, Putera MIC’s been pushing for Malaysian Indian youths to join MIC. Quoting one of the posts in the Putera MIC blog: “The MIC will embark on a major exercise to rope in more professionals and youths to run branches in a bid to regain the Indians’ trust and confidence in the party and Barisan Nasional (BN)”. Yesterday saw them putting up a new article on why should youths be joining MIC.

There have been a few answers to that questionby some bloggers. I’d rather you go read these articles by WantedGal and Madhavan to find out what exactly do they think about this. I found that their arguments are pretty solid.

To me, I find their views mostly racist. Indian this, Indian that. Yes, you are “supposed” to represent the Indians, but at what cost? Alienating Malaysian Indians from the other races? Why the race card in the first place, I ask you? Well, leave that question be. I have much more interesting stuff to ask you guys at Putera MIC’s helm.

We know very well that concerns of Malaysians are being centered on two major issues. First, safety in regards to the escalating crime rate. Second, the rising cost of living.

Now, being a Malaysian (Indian), I know that Indians are accountable to a large portion of petty crimes all over. Snatch thefts, vandalism and substance abuse (mostly alcohol) are rampant, but none more attention grabbing than gangsterism. Gangsterism is so easily associated with Malaysian Indians that once we see a rugged Indian waking down the street with an attitude, our minds jump straight to the thought of wondering what gang might he be involved with. Why hasn’t Putera MIC put up this issue in their to-do list?

Let’s be honest folks. These problems stem from monetary problems (in a majority count, that is). What’s the use of going to universities and colleges and helping the students there write resumes and/or getting a place for internship, when a large lot of them drop out from secondary school? The 8 points they highlighted there seems to be targeting learned members of the society, while at the same time having no mention of the less privileges once. Why not be there at rural ares trying to improve learning conditions for students, and I mean students of ALL races?

On to the second issue. Food and oil prices have been increasing steadily. Though inevitable, a lot can be done to counter these problems. Dare I ask what Putera MIC is doing to educate youths regarding the Malaysian economic climate, just to make them understand WHY prices are rising, and HOW can we mitigate or reduce the impact? Economic concerns have a large role to play in societies. When a society has a lack of economic knowldge, well, let’s say that a fool and his money are soon parted.

Rather than pushing for acceptance, maybe Putera MIC should act first and not promote their memberships like petty products. Political association is no small matter. If I am associated with an organization, I carry its image with me. Do youths want to carry the current image of MIC with them?

So, for now, I do not want to be an MIC member.