Press Statement by Karpal Singh in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, 23^rd February 2009:

Samy Vellu’s retirement will be one in disgrace

MIC President Dato Seri S. Samy Vellu does not have any right to the support of the Indian community in the country.

March 8 last year brought about the Ides of March and Waterloo for Samy Vellu. He had boasted that no one could dislodge him as MP for Sungai Siput. That boast was blasted to smithereens by the voters in Sungai Siput and for good reason. He had miserably failed the Indian community who realized he was not a leader of caliber or substance. He was more interested in the enhancement of his own interests and those of his cronies who, likewise, were hounded out of their strongholds in the general elections last year.

Samy Vellu took for granted the Indian community which has been sidelined by the government. Samy Vellu, if at all, he has any principles, of which I have my doubts, should ‘bertaubat’ for the woes brought about by his leadership on the Indian community.

Samy Vellu should realize when the curtain is down, any leader of any principle would pack up and retire into political oblivion.

Samy Vellu’s retirement will be one in disgrace. He should have followed the example of Dr Mahathir Mohammad, Dr Ling bong Sik and Dr. Lirn Keng Vaik who retired when the time was up for them in politics.

I would advise Samy Vellu to forthwith step down as president of the MIC. He does not have the moral right to even consider standing for reelection as president of the MIC. Samy Vellu is no more welcome in the Barisan Nasional. Idle rhetoric will not get Samy Vellu anywhere, anymore.

The Indians in the country who are still in the MIC should consider joining the DAP or the PKR which are parties which can effectively advance their interests.

* Karpal Singh, DAP National Chairman & MP for Bukit Gelugor