Kuala Lumpur: The leader of Malaysia's ethnic Indian party on Saturday called for vigilance after one of the members was shot dead, state media reported.

S. Krishnasamy was shot dead on Friday in the office of his party, the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), in Johor Baru city.

Police said the motive behind the attack was not clear.

"I cannot say whether it has something to do with politics, a private matter or in connection with the constituency," MIC president S. Samy Vellu was quoted by state news agency Bernama as saying.

More than 10,000 Indians staged an anti-government protest in November to complain of racial discrimination.