Kuala Lumpur, Nov.9 (ANI): Former Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) deputy president S. Subramaniam has said while it has played the role of an umbrella body for Indians since its inception in 1946, it must take steps to maintain community unity with a new zest and determination.

"It (unity) is achievable, if we in the community are prepared to move ahead in unison, putting aside our differences and harnessing our similarities. After all, the basic and fundamental aim is to serve the community and Malaysians at large. It's sad to see the Indians in disarray now," The Star quoted him, as saying at the opening of the Malaysian Indian Youth Council headquarters yesterday.

Subramaniam was among the main guests at the event, along with former People's Progressive Party Youth leader Senator Datuk T. Murugiah and Parti Keadilan Rakyat's Hutan Melintang state assemblyman S. Kesavan.

Subramaniam further said: "As long as we are not united, our voices will not be heard and the community will not be recognized or respected."

Murugiah said being united was the only practical solution for the woes faced by the Indian community. Forming new parties, he added, would be counter productive to the community as none of them could wield the necessary political influence.

"For the sake of the community and unity, I am willing to work with anyone, including (PPP president) Datuk M. Kayveas. There is no point forming new parties when we are so divided and there is no understanding. I appeal that we don't form any more new parties but instead strengthen the existing ones," he added. (ANI)