S Samy Vellu's statement saying that Indian Malaysians are not offended by Umno's move to hold its annual general assembly during Deepavali is not surprising. Indian Malaysians are a forgotten lot, not only in Umno circle but elsewhere as well.

Deepavali is a national festival - that's what the government said and declared. It's a day where we expect people to visit their friends and exchange greetings in the spirit of muhibah and unity.

How will Umno react if MIC, or MCA, were to hold their AGMs during Hari Raya?

To bolster my argument that Indian Malaysians are being marginalised, when I called a private TV station recently and asked about their programmes for Deepavali, imagine my shock when they said they did not plan any Deepavali campaign this is the same TV station which had promoted Diwali extensively in past. Why?