The MIC is confident of repeating its 100 per cent victory in the last general election when the party made a clean sweep of all the nine parliamentary and 19 state seats.

Its president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said though there were unhappiness among the Indian community, it would not dampen the party's resolve to retain all the seats.

"With the people's loyalty and support to the Barisan Nasional (BN), the MIC scored 100 per cent success in the 2004 general election. The Indians realise the Barisan government had always served the people's interests and had brought socio-economic progress to all races," he said at the MIC special convention for branch chairmen.

The one-day convention, attended by about 3,700 branch chairmen and MIC elected representatives, was opened by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Works Minister said the party's election machinery, with help from the BN machinery, would work hard to retain all the seats.

He said MIC would also help campaign for candidates from other BN component parties to ensure a thumping victory for the 14-party ruling coalition.

Samy Vellu said Indians formed 10 per cent of the voters in 62 parliamentary and 130 state seats.

He said MIC's election machinery had been well-oiled and was in top gear to swing into action when parliament was dissolved to pave the way for the 12th general election.

On today's convention, Samy Vellu said it was to discuss ways for the party to serve the Indian community effectively.

As grassroots leaders, he said, MIC branch chairmen must maintain close ties with the people in their areas and to inform them the various opportunities extended by the government to improve their livelihood.

He said MIC had embarked on an action plan to create a dynamic, independent and progressive Indian community by 2020 and that efforts are being made to address the education, religious and social issues affecting Indians.

"The next 12 years will be a critical period. We want to make sure not a single Malaysian Indian is left out when the country attains developed nation status.

"As such, it's crucial for every MIC leader and members to unite and work hard by utilising all available resources to achieve the goal," he added.

Quoted From
BERNAMA 

Sunday, 03 Feb 2008