LETTER | The Indians are not jealous or upset of pro-bumi programmes

LETTER | Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recent statement suggesting that the Indian community is angry and jealous towards programs aimed at uplifting the bumiputera has sparked concern and raised eyebrows among many.

This stance seems to tread a dangerous political line, implying a division among communities where none should exist. The Indian community has never harboured ill feelings towards assistance given to deserving fellow Malaysians.

In the past, as Anwar pursued his journey to the helm of the nation, he actively courted the support of the Indian community. He positioned himself as a saviour who would finally address the grievances of the Indians. He donned traditional Indian attire, danced to the tunes of MGR songs, and even attempted to speak the language, earning acceptance as the figure who could change the fate of Indians in the country.

However, into his 17th month in office, it’s evident that Anwar may not have the unwavering support of the Indian community.

While he highlighted efforts like the RM100 million Mitra funding (which has been allocated by previous governments for over a decade) and Tekun allocations over the weekend, these gestures do not address the core concerns of the Indian community.

Historically, the Malaysian government has recognised the necessity of structured plans for community development.

Despite assurances from the prime minister regarding assistance for all in need regardless of ethnicity, the recent Bumiputra Economic Congress emphasised the need for targeted initiatives, even within a bumiputera-dominated government and civil service, to achieve tangible success.

However, the Indian community lacks such a comprehensive plan.

While sporadic announcements by the government are appreciated, they fail to address the fundamental issues. What is urgently needed is a strategic action plan that demonstrates the government’s genuine commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the Indian community and improving their socio-economic status.

This plan should include targeted initiatives to address socio-economic disparities, promote educational and employment opportunities, and empower Indian entrepreneurs.

The government must appoint a non-political task force comprising experts from various fields to study existing plans and proposals and formulate an official action plan for Indian development.

This plan should be transparent, accountable, and regularly reviewed to ensure its effectiveness.

The Malaysian Indian Blueprint and the Pelan Tindakan Masyarakat Indian are notable examples of initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the Indian population.

There is also another plan called the Madani Empowerment Plan for Indian (MEP4I) to address specific issues faced by the community, which has been submitted to the prime minister in April 2023.

By instituting a formal action plan for Indian development, the government can signal its genuine commitment to addressing the needs of the Indian community and fostering inclusivity and social justice in Malaysia. It provides a tangible framework for stakeholders to collaborate effectively.

In short, what the Indian community desires is an action plan from the Madani government to address their concerns and uplift their socio-economic status.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.

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