The Malaysian Indian Congress’ (MIC) latest salvo aimed at DAP is nothing more than a desperate attempt to appear relevant after years of political decline, says Preakas Sampunathan.

The Kota Kemuning assemblyman said MIC, the oldest Indian political party in the country, should confront its own record after more than six decades in power under Barisan Nasional before pointing fingers at others.

“For more than 60 years, MIC sat in the heart of government. They controlled ministries, GLCs, scholarship bodies and policymaking platforms.

“Yet the Indian community saw almost no structural progress,” he said in a statement today.

Preakas pointed out that MIC failed to expand equitable access to education and scholarships, failed to improve Indian representation in the civil service, failed to tackle systemic poverty and housing issues, and even failed to optimise institutions like the Maju Institute of Educational Development (MIED) and AIMST University to serve the wider community.

“Instead of reforms, MIC prioritised political appointments, factional fights and personal survival,” he said.

“You want to talk about ‘sandiwara’? The real sandiwara was MIC’s six decades of excuses.

“You had six decades to do what the Indian community has been begging you to do. Yet MIC remained radio silent.

“The voters have already judged MIC’s performance and have deemed you irrelevant,” he added.

Preakas said that unlike MIC, DAP is doing its job in government, emphasising that the Unity Government remains focused on strengthening multiracial unity, expanding education and economic opportunities, ensuring fairness across all communities and implementing reforms transparently.

He also dismissed MIC’s attempt to attack DAP as hypocritical and factually hollow, noting that states where DAP participates in government consistently outperform others.

“Penang and Selangor are among the top in transparency, investment inflow, economic performance and social welfare. These are measurable outcomes. Has MIC even bothered to read the papers before issuing such statements?” he asked.

Yesterday, MIC central committee member RT Rajasekaran accused DAP of being theatrical, claiming the party only raised complaints about the slow pace of the government’s reforms after suffering defeat in the Sabah state election.

He said DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook’s remarks about reassessing the party’s role in government if Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim fails to deliver meaningful reforms within the next six months were nothing more than political rhetoric.

Rajasekaran also claimed DAP had every opportunity over the past three years to raise its concerns directly with Anwar, who is also the Pakatan Harapan chairman, but chose instead to highlight them through the media.

Preakas continued to tear into MIC, claiming the party is “lost and directionless.”

He highlighted that MIC delegates, during their recent general assembly, voted to join Perikatan Nasional (PN) and despite that the party leadership still appears hesitant to take formal action.

“Your own members gave you a mandate. But the leadership is dragging its feet, even confusing the PN chairman.

“A party that cannot follow the wishes of its own delegates has no right to claim that it listens to the people,” he said.

Preakas said MIC should stop hiding behind statements and show real courage by openly declaring its decision to become part of PN.

“If MIC truly has the courage it claims, then say it openly and apply to join PN,” he added.