Kota Kinabalu: MIC Vice-President Dato Murugiah Thopasamy has hope that Sabah may one day produce its first Indian state assemblyman, arguing that if the Chinese community can have representation, the Indian community should not be left behind.
“Sabah has Indians spread out across the State. If we can unite and concentrate in one constituency, there is no reason why an Indian candidate cannot be elected.
“The Chinese can have a seat, why not the Indians?” he said after attending Sabah MIC convention here.
It was the final stop in a nationwide series of meetings leading up to the party’s AGM in November.
He also revealed that Sabah MIC only has RM1,000 left in its account.
Murugiah, who represented MIC President Tan Sri S. A. Vigneswaran, said the party would lend its support in the coming state elections once the Assembly is dissolved.
“MIC will be on the ground to help our allies. We will stand with the candidates who support MIC,” he said.
Murugiah, who described Sabah as his “second hometown” after serving seven years as a military officer in Labuan and travelling frequently to Kota Kinabalu, said he was impressed by the State’s spirit of inclusivity.
“In Sabah, there is no fanaticism, no racism. All religions can sit and eat together at the same table. This is an example that Peninsular Malaysia should follow. We are Malaysians, and our loyalty to the nation must come first without differences in race or skin colour,” he said.
However, he did not touch on the controversy surrounding the present Sabah MIC head who is alleged to be an India-born but holding a genuine MyKad through the “Project IC.”Murugiah highlighted MIC’s contributions to education, pointing to AIMST University in Kedah, valued at RM1 billion with annual revenue of RM35 million.
He said RM18 million in scholarships were disbursed this year, adding that opportunities are open to all Malaysians regardless of race or religion.
MIC currently has around 25 branches in Sabah, said Murugiah, with efforts underway to strengthen the party’s presence.
“We are encouraging more Indians here to join MIC and serve their community, as well as all Sabahans,” he said.
“Sabah has Indians spread out across the State. If we can unite and concentrate in one constituency, there is no reason why an Indian candidate cannot be elected.
“The Chinese can have a seat, why not the Indians?” he said after attending Sabah MIC convention here.
It was the final stop in a nationwide series of meetings leading up to the party’s AGM in November.
He also revealed that Sabah MIC only has RM1,000 left in its account.
Murugiah, who represented MIC President Tan Sri S. A. Vigneswaran, said the party would lend its support in the coming state elections once the Assembly is dissolved.
“MIC will be on the ground to help our allies. We will stand with the candidates who support MIC,” he said.
Murugiah, who described Sabah as his “second hometown” after serving seven years as a military officer in Labuan and travelling frequently to Kota Kinabalu, said he was impressed by the State’s spirit of inclusivity.
“In Sabah, there is no fanaticism, no racism. All religions can sit and eat together at the same table. This is an example that Peninsular Malaysia should follow. We are Malaysians, and our loyalty to the nation must come first without differences in race or skin colour,” he said.
However, he did not touch on the controversy surrounding the present Sabah MIC head who is alleged to be an India-born but holding a genuine MyKad through the “Project IC.”Murugiah highlighted MIC’s contributions to education, pointing to AIMST University in Kedah, valued at RM1 billion with annual revenue of RM35 million.
He said RM18 million in scholarships were disbursed this year, adding that opportunities are open to all Malaysians regardless of race or religion.
MIC currently has around 25 branches in Sabah, said Murugiah, with efforts underway to strengthen the party’s presence.
“We are encouraging more Indians here to join MIC and serve their community, as well as all Sabahans,” he said.
