Formation of Makkal Sakti a good move, says Dr M - Daily Express

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Published on: Sunday, September 27, 2009

Kuala Lumpur: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has described the formation of the Malaysia Makkal Sakti Party as a good move.

Saying that there was a strong support for its formation, he said the move would also help restore the support of the Indian community towards the Government.

"Since there seems to be a lot of support for the formation of this party, I think it is a good thing because we don't want to lose the support of Indians," he said at a Hari Raya open house which he hosted at his residence here, Saturday.

The new Indian-based party is formed by former leaders of the outlawed organisation, Hindraf, and is headed by Hindraf's national coordinator R. S. Thanenthiran.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is scheduled to launch the party on Oct 10 at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park in Serdang.

Asked whether Makkal Sakti would affect MIC's position as the main Indian-based party in the country, Dr Mahathir said: "I think MIC's influence has already been diluted."

Asked on reports that MIC President Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu might consider taking a two-month break from his duties as party president, Dr Mahathir said two months was not enough.

"It should be extended to about 20 years. He has been there for 30 years.

The longer he (Samy Vellu) sits there, the more people are going to hate him," he said.

Dr Mahathir was also asked on the road safety campaign dubbed "Ops Sikap" which was launched in conjunction with the Aidilfitri.

Expressing disappointment over the attitudes of Malaysian drivers whom he said were prone to speeding, he suggested that the Government suspend the licence of those who flouted traffic rules.

"I've been to many countries and never have I seen people driving as fast as the way Malaysian drivers do.

"These drivers are not that good a driver but they cannot wait and always want to go fast, causing accidents," he said.

The 20th Ops Sikap, an integrated operation to minimise road accidents during the festive season, saw 222 people perished on the roads since its launch on Sept 13. The operation ends tomorrow.

Earlier, Dr Mahathir and wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali received guests at their open house.