PUTRAJAYA: Comments by MIC leaders were taken more seriously 10 to 15 years ago when the party was seen as the sole representative of Malaysian Indians and enjoyed the support of about 90% of the community.

“Now that the Indians are divided into several political parties, questions are sometimes raised whether the views we present are that of the whole community or just a portion of it.

“This sometimes reduces the impact of the statements we make,” said MIC secretary-general Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam yesterday.

He said he agreed with PPP supreme council member T. Murugiah’s statement that too many parties representing the community could only have a negative impact on efforts to champion the community’s struggles.

Dr Subramaniam said it was necessary for Indians to be under one umbrella for a stronger voice.