CoFfEE witH PUNithAN

MIC, the largest Indian-based political party in the country, will meet and hold discussions with other Indian-based parties in the country.

However, the move was not to merge with them but to work with the party on a long-term basis in a win-win situation, said MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu in a statement today.

He said the other parties could maintain their individual structure and independence, adding that the MIC held such talks with the parties in the past but there was no commitment from them at that time.

Towards this end, Samy Vellu said he would soon write to all Indian-based parties of its offer in uniting the Indian community.

He also announced that the MIC headquarters would allow former or expelled members of the party to appeal for re-admission as members, adding that they would have their appeal scrutinised to ensure they were sincere in returning to the fold.

The former works minister said MIC would not 'pinch' members from other political parties but if they were interested in joining the party, the door was open to them.

"MIC branches which are defunct or closed will also be revived and energised with new leaders, subject to the approval of the Registrar of Societies," he added.

On the thorny Maika Holdings issue, Samy Vellu assured shareholders that a permanent solution was being sought, adding that it was aware there were certain quarters working towards destroying the company and using it as a political tool.

-- BERNAMA