Makkal Sakthi

So, another political party for the local Indians, the Malaysian Makkal Sakthi Party(MMKP), has been added to the already crowded Indian-based parties – Malaysian Indian Congress(MIC), with Samy Vellu as the leader, the Indian Progressive Front(IPF), led by Pandithan’s wife after his demise, Kayveas’ People’s Progressive Party( PPP), and Malaysian Indian United Party(MIUP) of Anwar’s former close aide and once a leader of his Party Keadilan, Nallakaruppan.

The new party, MMKP, was formed by Thanenthiran, the former coordinator of the banned Hindraf movement. It, certainly, looks odd that Indians, being the minority race of just about 2 million in Malaysia, should have the most number of parties representing them. And, hearing what is being talked about in the media, it looks like this is not the end of it!

The emergence of MMKP, or popularly known as just Makkal Sakthi, is quite sudden, seeing that it had already been approved by Registrar Of Societies (ROS), within a few months, and came into being just within a few days after the release of the final three leaders of the outlawed Hindraf movement, on May 9. Perhaps, this is to provide a lawful venue for the disgruntled members of the outlawed organization, to vent their grouses and grievances, rather than they getting dragged into mob-like activities and scenarios.

The slogan ‘Makkal Sakthi’, or ‘People Power’, in English, had been very synonymous with Hindraf, when it was formed, and was used unsparingly during the last general election, by the opposition. Naturally, this gives the impression that the Malaysian Makkal Sakthi Party is nothing more than a breakaway party of Hindraf. As such, it would seem that the former members of Hindraf do have a reason to be satisfied and smug.

What is arguable is whether the authorising person in R.O.S. was fully satisfied with the party having a strong, revolutionary, and to a large extent, the too down to earth slogan of ‘People Power’ or ‘Makkal Sakthi’ to its name. If he was, then he should be commended for his brevity and impartialness of his decision to approve the Malaysian Makkal Sakthi Party, in its originality. One can’t help, but heap praises on the R.O.S. for this.

The Indians, at least now, have another voice to reach out for help in their quest for their welfare and betterment. Good as it may sound, there are sounds made around the public that there are too many political parties for the Indians, thus, fragmenting them, and making their voice weak and piteously inaudible, when presenting their grievances.

However, there is still some goodness in this for them; it should be admitted that the Indian political parties would fall head over heels, and compete amongst themselves, trying to champion their cause, to attain the much desired popularity. And that, is a victory of some sort for the Indians. But, sadly, a tremendous blow for the hopes and aspirations of Malaysians, who would rather see a Malaysia undivided by racially inclined political parties.