V. Mugilan announced today the formation of a non-governmental organisation, just days after dissolving GAS.
The former Gerakan Anti-Samy Vellu (GAS) leader told reporters today that the NGO called the Malaysian Indian Visionary Association (MIVA) will be official in about two weeks. The former MIC Youth deputy chief said the intention of the NGO is non-political and to focus on the Indian Malaysian community. “Three months ago, after being sacked by MIC, my friends and I went around the country to garner support and 50,000 people had pledged to join MIVA and at this rate, we anticipate to recruit 100,000 members by the end of this year,” he said, adding its goal to register 500 divisions. He said different ways were used to reach out to both the young and the old Indian Malaysian community. “Recently we have been using electronic media, through FB (Facebook), through websites to introduce to our younger generation and as for the older generation, we went from state to state, town to town, estate to estate and kampung to kampung,” he said. Mugilan said there is a great need for such an organisation because there is a lack of Indian associations in the country, unlike the Chinese and the Malays.
“We want this NGO to be the strongest, with the most members in the country, by the end of this year. We have great confidence because we have a strong network,” he said. He said some of the programmes would be to encourage racial harmony, training sessions for Indian businessmen, as well as education and sports programme. He said this organisation is for Indian Malaysians, 16 years old and above, and they will not discriminate against members of political parties. There is a yearly RM5 fee for the members. Mugilan said the first programme will be held before Deepavali to introduce MIVA’s leaders. Mugilan and MIVA’s key leaders will kick off a 10-day tour to promote MIVa tomorrow in Perak. They will also be visiting Penang Kedah, Melaka and Johor. “To be honest, there is no political agenda in this NGO. If I were to take on a key political position, I will give up the presidency of this NGO to the next in line,” he vowed. The Malaysian Insider learned that he is aware of MIVA and will participate at a later date. When asked if Mugilan will participate in any movements, should there be any, against new leaders of MIC, he said it is unlikely. “It’s different with Datuk Seri Samy Vellu. He is the only leader in the country with a movement against him,” he said.
Mugilan said 30 years in power is “way too long” and he is just “thankful” that the end of that is near
