MIC president Dr S Subramaniam believes Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s actions would lead to his contributions and achievements being erased from the nation’s history.

However, this courted a single line rebuke from the former premier’s daughter, Marina.

“And history will remember MIC's (contributions and achievements), I'm sure...,” she tweeted.

Since the 2008 general election, MIC like its BN Chinese counterpart MCA has been struggling to remain relevant in the Malaysian political landscape.

The party and its leaders have also been the subject of numerous allegations.

In response to Marina's remarks, MIC Youth chief C Sivarraajh said the Indian party and other component parties were defeated in 2008 and struggle to remain relevant because of the racist policies Mahathir introduced when he was in power.

Sivarraajh said Mahathir's policies are to blame for Malaysia's current state, and not former premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi or Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

"We are feeling the aftermath of the 30-year Mahathir administration's policies.

"Just because he is fighting the government and Najib, Mahathir can't be considered 'Gandhi' or a leader who is not racist.

"If you want to know how racist Mahathir is since his childhood, read (Mahathir's memoir) 'Doctor In The House'. History will tell about your father's racist policies," he said in a statement today.

Earlier, Subramaniam (photo) was responding to Mahathir’s announcement of a new political party and grand coalition, which the MIC president described as a saddening development.

“He was the former prime minister and president of Umno for a long period. He was also recognised and respected internationally as an exceptional leader.

“However, with such a move (to form a new party), I am of the opinion that it would reduce his standing in the eyes of the people,” he said in a media statement.

Instead of playing the role of an adviser to the nation, Subramaniam said Mahathir is going against the party he struggled for in the past, causing an upheaval to the political system.

Since last year, the 91-year-old former premier has waged a public campaign to oust Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, whom he has accused of numerous misdeeds.

Mahathir has since joined hands with opposition and civil society leaders, who were once critical of his leadership.

Najib has denied the allegations against him, and accused Mahathir and those aligned to him of attempting to engineer his downfall.