MIC urges A-G to take action against Mukhriz

KUALA LUMPUR: The MIC has urged the Attorney-General to institute action against Umno Youth chief aspirant Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir for uttering allegedly seditious words by suggesting that vernacular schools be closed down.
MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu claimed that Mukhriz had violated provisions in the Federal Constitution which protected the position and rights of vernacular schools.
“He has issued a seditious statement and we want the Attorney-General to take appropriate action against him,” Samy Vellu said in a statement here on Tuesday, accusing Mukhriz of raising “sensitive issues” to canvass for votes in the upcoming UMNO Youth elections.
“He can contest the UMNO Youth chief post but he should not point a dagger at the hearts of the other communities to win the post,” he said, adding that the MIC had never questioned the rights of the Malays as enshrined in the Constitution.
“I am surprised by his statement. Even the great leader Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Mukhriz’s father who was prime minister for 22 years, strictly adhered to the Federal Constitution and provided assistance to vernacular schools,” he said.
He said unity comes from the heart and mind of each Malaysian, and closing down vernacular schools did not mean unity would prevail.
MIC Youth coordinator T. Mohan urged Mukhriz to go to the ground and visit Tamil and Chinese schools to understand the real situation.
“It is easy for one to issue statements to become popular but it should not be at the expense of the feelings of the other communities,” he said.
Mohan said that it has been the practice of some politicians to use sensitive issues to garner cheap publicity in their bid to be seen as champions in their parties.
These politicians, including Mukhriz, should understand that the MIC and MCA -- which represent Indian and Chinese interests respectively -- would not remain quiet on this, he said.
He said Barisan Nasional should come out with proper guidelines to prevent leaders contesting in party elections from using controversial issues to gather support.
Meanwhile MIC Youth advisor S. Vell Paari, Samy Vellu’s son, described Mukhriz’s statement as “irresponsible.”
“This is a totally irresponsible view of a leader who aspires to the highest position in UMNO Youth, the largest Youth component in Barisan Nasional,” he said.
He said Mukhriz did not understand the significance of vernacular schools to their respective communities, adding that children not only learn to read, write and speak their language, but also learn the cultures, traditions and the heritages of their race.

tunku : first of all its not a demand from mukhriz , its just a suggestion. second, it was suggested as nowadays everybody wants to talk about 'bangsa malaysia '. i can't see any seditious act in this suggestion. samy vellu is trying hard to be champion again but he fails to understand the reality that people hates him.that is why i have said earlier we have to mind our words as our words could hurts the feeling of others, and if others retaliate you have to accept it.