KUALA LUMPUR, The Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) is determined to strengthen leadership cooperation and restore its standing within the community. MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M Saravanan said with the recent appointments of heads for the Women, Youth, Putera and Puteri wings, the 78-year-old party is better positioned to face future political challenges. 'MIC currently has no direct responsibilities in the government, which poses a challenge for the party and could potentially persist,' he told a press conference following the MIC National Youth, Wanita, Putera, and Puteri Convention here today. Saravanan said the revitalised MIC Youth leadership is energetically addressing community issues, bringing fresh vigour to the party. He also said that party president Tan Sri S.A. Vigneswaran is implementing various improvements to ensure the party remains a leading political platform for the Indian community in the country. Saravanan said several issues faced by the Indian community, including the number of matriculation programme placements and difficulties in obtaining offers for preferred courses at Public Higher Education Institutions (IPTAs), were discussed at the convention. 'We hope that sufficient matriculation offers will be made available to the Indian community, and these issues will be presented to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim,' he said. 'In addition, the Putera and Puteri wings are working to guide and encourage secondary school students to pursue higher education through the educational assistance provided by the party. A "One Stop Service Centre" run by Wanita MIC was also launched at the convention to encourage women to come forward with their issues. Wanita MIC chief N. Saraswati said the centre, operating twice a month at the MIC headquarters, will offer assistance in welfare, education and legal matters to women in need. The convention saw the participation of 1,200 delegates. Source: BERNAMA News Agency