ANOTHER INDIAN LEADER WHO BLASTED THE FORMER PM,KIND OF LATE !

Palanivel blasts Dr M for Hindraf comment KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 — MIC deputy president Datuk G. Palanivel said it was sad that former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is not aware that Hindraf, the informal activist movement, does not only represent Tamils but also many non-Tamils and even non-Hindus.

"He is wrong when he says Hindraf leaders only represent Tamils,” he said in a statement.

Palanivel said Dr Mahathir should not make statements that would further fan racial sentiments and hatred.

"He should remember his own roots. People also recall that PAS, PKR and DAP were with Hindraf during the recent election.

"His most recent statement on Hindraf as Tamil racists will only further drive away Indian votes from the BN to Pakatan Rakyat."

Palanivel was commenting on Dr Mahathir’s statement against MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu in his blog.

Palanivel described Dr Mahathir as having lost sight of the big picture in his efforts to wage a war against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Samy Vellu.

"Each time Tun Mahathir makes a racially-motivated statement, he should be honest in his opinions and statements. People have become more politically aware and Tun Mahathir should know how people read him.

"He should not make unsubstantiated statements that are reckless and careless in nature.

"Past leaders who have lost their positions are busy apportioning blame on why BN lost. And in doing so, it has caused confusion to both supporters and non-supporters. Using rhetoric to subtly cover their self-interest is not going to work because people have now become more politically conscious.

"At this juncture we should concentrate on bringing the Indian votes back to BN,” said Palanivel, the former deputy minister of Women, Family and Community Development. — Bernama