PIO'S IN MALAYSIA: CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES

By Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria

1. GENERAL COMMENTS

1.1 Two Types of PIOs

Prof Sugata Bose yesterday noted two differing groups of PIO’s (Prosperous and poorer). In the case of prosperous it would imply affluent, confident, well accomplished, well qualified, global and regional players). On the other hand the poor and disadvantaged PIO would imply low-income, low education, low skills, caught with struggles and difficulties. Prof Bose indicated that more needs to be done for the poor PIOs especially by India and the PIO global community.

1.2 PBD Gatherings

I have participated in all the seven PBD gathering since 2003. Focus has been on:-
a) Show casing the successful and outstanding PIO’s globally
b) Calling on affluent and well accomplished PIOs to invest time, money and resources for India’s socio-economic transformation
c) Concerns of critical issues, concerns and struggles of suffering PIO and NRI not highlighted nor articulated nor really discussed.

1.3 Multiple Identities

Yesterday, there was much talk on PIO and their ‘multiple identities’. This implies that the PIO has an identity with the country of adoption as national and citizens but at the same time has cultural and linguistic roots with India which is one of the oldest civilizations.

Greater articulation of these fundamental rights are necessary and therefore a fuller understanding based on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Minorities cab become a foundational projection for PIOs especially the poor and disadvantage.

2. MALAYSIAN PIO CONCERNS

2.1 Not homogenous

Malaysia PIO is a non homogonous group. Historical socio-economic differences among the sub ethnic groups group continue to persist.

2.2 Sense of alienation & marginalization

A majority of Malaysian PIOs feel a sense of alienation and marginalization in Malaysian society. This was reflected in the voting trend in the March 2008 12, General Elections. The political dominance of the Barisan National (BN) was broken including a major reduction in support of the Indian community to the BN.

Today in the Malaysian parliament the number of PIO Members of parliament from the opposition coalition has increased dramatically including representation at the State assembly level and state governments.

2.3 Continued Sense of grievance

There is a deep sense of unhappiness during to the delays in resolving grievance.

While the major issues have been articulated, documented and presented to the Federal government by the MIC, there has been very weak delivery and implementation in addressing the critical concerns. While some action has been taken it is perceived as inadequate by the PIO.

Since the 2008 General Election, the federal government has established a Cabinet level committee chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and specific intervention strategies and programmes have been identified but there continues to be delays in the implementation. The PIO in Malaysia has not felt the impact of the new initiatives.

Similar sense of disillusionment is being felt by sections of the grassroots and opposition MPs towards the opposition coalition.


2.4 Examples of Grievances Felt

There is general consensus among all political parties and politicians including civil society leaders with regards to the alienation felt. However there are differences with regards to the degree and extend of the grievance especially in terms of statistical analysis, root causes of the problems and the solutions and remedies.

Major grievance is felt by the section of PIO who have been displaced from the plantations and reside in urban squatters and low cost flats. They comprise the bottom 30% of the PIOs who are urban poor and low income families.

a) Lack of access and inclusion to services especially urban poor poverty eradication programmes, public housing and social services including the registration of birth and identification cards
b) Educational concerns- access to press school, underachievement at primary and secondary schools, resources for Tamil schools, higher education and training opportunities.
c) Restricted opportunities in civil service and promotions within the civil service.
d) Inability to attain business loans, entrepreneurship training, access to business contracts and projects of the government, inability to secure adequate taxi and transport vehicle permits.
e) Youth and family based problems including crime and anti social behavior and gang related activities.
f) Human rights violations (use of ISA, Police abuse, death in custody, death by Police shooting)
g) Religious freedoms issues (temple demolitions and conversions related matters)


3. MULTIPLE INTERVENTION STRATGIES

While there is the need for state intervention and action however self help initiatives through educational and economic empowerment is very necessary.

Developing effective local networks for action alongside other marginalized and disadvantaged groups is very necessary as PIO concerns and issues are not necessarily exclusive only to Indians but also common to other disadvantaged minority groups. It is necessary to develop a national approach and not as a communal concern.

It is very important to recognize many positive aspects of Malaysian life including constitutional protection as citizens. Malaysia is a good land and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) indicate good quality of life index.

Majority of the people including dominant groups (Malay Muslims) appreciate Malaysian Indian contributions towards national development. We must work in partnership with all communities for the national development in general and also the advancement of PIOs.

4. SOME RECOMMENDATIONS

What can and should the Global PIO & NRI community do to facilitate the improvement of Malaysian PIOs

4.1 Global PIO Fact Finding Team

The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and Confederation of Indian Industry should establish a High Level Committee of Global PIOs to undertake a fact finding visit to Malaysia.

The team to Malaysia is to articulate the concerns, grievances and make specific recommendations for the social development improvements as well as addressing the human rights violations (economic, social, cultural, political and civil)

4.2 Indian Business support

Indian businesses operating in Malaysia-Singapore should be encouraged to provide opportunities for PIO participation especially of those in Malaysia especially in areas of investment, employment, job placement and training opportunities. A majority of these businesses are members of CII.

4.3 Educational & Training opportunities for PIOs in India

Previous PBD’s gatherings discussed in detail concerning opportunities in educational areas and educational institutions in India. There was also a proposal to establish a PIO University, however this year the Indian PM made no reference to these possibilities in his key note address. Therefore this is a major area of development.

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Outline of a paper presented at the 2009 PBD (Indian Diaspora Global Conference), Asia-Pacific Regional Session held at Chennai from Jan 8 & 9, 2009