The new MIC leadership line-up is a sign of a crucial paradigm shift for the party to move forward, said MIC President Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam.

He also hoped the new line-up under his leadership would revive the confidence of the Indian community in MIC.

He said that the inclusion of many highly-educated youths as new members in MIC would also be a boost for the 69-year-old party.

"I hope the Indian community will see (changes in the leadership) as a positive sign and give support so that we can do much more for Indians," he told reporters at the Deepavali Open House organised by MIC at Batu Caves here today.

Dr Subramaniam, who is also Health Minister, said the MIC was still committed to implement various development plans to improve the socio-economic status of the Indian community in the country.

He said focus would be given to education and social aspects as well as economic improvement.

The MIC Deepavali Open House was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. This was the first MIC open house for Dr Subramaniam as party president.

The party's re-elections last week also saw Datuk Seri S.K. Devamany elected as deputy president while Datuk T. Mohan, Datuk S.A. Vigneswaran and Datuk Jaspal Singh were elected as vice-presidents.

An estimated 10,000 people attended the event. Also present were Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk M. Saravanan.