By V Ganabatirau | Jul 21, 09 11:30am (Malaysiakini)
The upliftment of the Indians in Malaysia would require a more consolidated and concerted effort to achieve significant milage.
In an attempt to achieve this goal, we must engineer a logical and workable road map.
Such road map must be carefully evaluated and assessed and then must be put to work.
Such road map(s) must have the human element and blend with the 1 Malaysia policy currently advocated by the government.
We cannot ignore nor side line the secular principles held on to thus far. In this process we must not and should not ignore suggestions and recommendations from all sectors of society and people.
There are some who take advantage of the situation for personal gain. Some exploit the dire situation for political success.
There are the others who dwell in complete darkness without any sense of direction or responsibility but are keen to raise issues simply to remain relevant.
How many of us will do this with total commitment and conviction?
The current political climate has created artificial leaders who's game plan is to provide lip service.
When the real issues surface, they don't possess the mental apptitute or experience to handle and overcome problems and situations.
It's a pity.
The Indians on the other hand don't see matters in the correct perspective.
They are easily deceived and carried away by desperate politicians who care less for them and merely use them as tools.
March 8 mayhem continues
This is evident after the March 8 th general election.
This mayhem will continue until such a time when realisation sets in.
We must not therefore be taken advantaged of under any circumstances nor be allowed to be used and exploited by any sector for whatever purpose.
Be that as it may, my concern is to present a workable, coherent and cohesive solution to solve problems faced by Malaysian Indians.
This plan is practical and if taken seriously and implemented, perhaps some of the common complaints faced can be solved.
The implementation of this plan would require a consolidated effort and support from the government and private sector.
In the past few years many nagging problems faced by the Malaysian Indians have been raised.
Unfortunately none provided plausible solutions.
Since we are principally responsible for the shaping of society and our destiny, then we must undertake this task and challenges very seriously for the preservation and survival of the race.
We the guardians of the future generation, must create security and stability for the coming generation. We must not gamble with their future for selfish reasons.
This would tantamount to doing a complete disservice to the present generation.
This heavy burden must be carefully measured and discharged. There will be no room for incompetence.
We must rise to become more resilient, self sustaining, competitive and marketable.
But this will require enormous resources, help, assistance and aid.
To facilitate this, the government must undertake to implement programmes to benefit Malaysian Indians.
This by no standard is an easy task but with determination and perseverance it is possible. As an initial step the government should consider the following:
(1) I appeal to the government to allocate RM10 billion initially to address critical problems currently faced by Malaysian Indians.
This fund should be handed over to a special task force created to overcome immediate pressing problems.
Task force to tackle issues
The task force should be a political entity comprising academicians, retired civil servants, private entrepreneurs and philanthropist of ethnic Indian origin.
They must solve the following critical issues:
(a) The task force must immediately bail out Maika Holdings Berhad.
Upon bailing out, it then becomes the duty and responsibility of the Task force to make the corporate body more viable and competitive.
Perhaps a complete revamp and restructuring may become necessary.
The body should act more transparently and engage in consultation before investing.
It must act as a trustee and must hold the confidence and trust placed upon it by the shareholders.
The body must strive to do better and must always display a progressive and advancing image.
They must emerge competitive and become reliable. While risk taking is encouraged but it must be properly weighed.
(b)The task force will identify all Tamil schools in the country and will undertake constructive steps to improve their conditions and will negotiate with the respective authorities to buy the land if the school is sitting on private land.
Additionally such schools should become fully aided schools within 2 years from the date of identification.
The Education Ministry must co-orporate in this matter so as to preserve the cultural identity and heritage of Malaysian Indians.
(c) The task force will carry out a nationwide study to ascertain all Hindu places of worship and will register them as such and not as societies or as a company.
If such places had existed prior to independence, then the same should rightly be recognized as a heritage building.
All demolition and forcible removal of such places of worships must be immediately halted. The relevant local authorities and state government must be appropriately advised on the implications if any, that may arise in the event of unlawful demolistion or removal.
This is necessary to preserve the secular sanctity currently preserved and cherished by the people.
Poverty levels must be ascertained
(d) The task force must carry out a nationwide study to ascertain the real poverty level of Malaysian Indians.
In the year 2004, poverty among Malaysia Indians was estimated to be 370,000 households.
The number of hardcore poor households was said to be 1200 which constitutes 0.3 percent.
This data is provided by the Economic Planning Unit (EPU).
The statistics require revision and serious consideration to determine the correct incidence of poverty among Malaysian Indians.
Once the correct statistics are available, then a proper plan is to be drawn to eliminate the current poverty level.
To accomplish this task perhaps, it would be wise to conduct a national study comprising both urban and rural population.
Placing undue reliance upon existing statistics could cloud the study and may present a wrong picture.
(e) The task force must ascertain the household income of Malaysian Indians.
In the year 2004, the gross monthly household income of Malaysian Indians was said to be RM 3456.00 with an average annual growth rate of 5.0 percent.
According to the Income Group Stratification 20 pecent of the Upper Class Malaysian Indians earn RM 6456.00 per month and they constitute 360,000 individuals.
50 percent of the middle class Indians earn RM 2460.00 per month and they constitute 900,000 individuals.
The remainder belong to the lower class who earn RM 1092.00 per month and they constitute 540,000 individuals.
This source was provided by the Yayasan Strategik Sosial (2005).
The study must draw comparisons with the other races and distinctions as well as the disparities must be given proper weight.
It's virtually wrong to maintain a general and standard rule for all races in determining the monthly gross household income.
The specific needs of the races must be taken into account in determining the household income.
Indians in the civil service
(f) The task force must ascertain those real reasons why Malaysian Indians are not keen to join the civil service. Is it due to an inferiority complex or are they not welcome?
Perhaps frankness should prevail in this matter. If there exists prejudicial elements, it's important to address those issues so that the current set backs can be overcome without discrimination or marginalization.
In the year 1990, 8.2 percent of Malaysian Indians were employed with the government which is 17,560 of the total Indian population.
This statistic was provided by OPP2 (1991) (Second Outline Perspective Plan) .
What positions held by Malaysian Indians in the government sector was never disclosed.
What are the positions now? Surely the positions now are rather different and require immediate remedial measures.
(g) The task force must propose a constructive plan or road map to increase the equity share of Malaysian Indians.
Any plan proposed must adhere strictly to the time frame to achieve the target set.
The Federal Government must directly monitor the advancement and progress of this plan from time to time and in the event of delay, those responsible should be made accountable and answerable to the government.
The current equity shares of Malaysian Indians is hardly 1.2 percent.
This is deplorable. By 2020 the government must increase the equity share of Malaysian Indians to 10 percent. The projected 3 percent by 2020 is far too little and all plans formulated for that purpose should be re-evaluated.
(h) The task force must create a venue or mechanism where Malaysian Indians, in particular, can play a more effective and significant role in the making of policy decisions.
In the present political climate, Malaysian Indians merely constitute 10 percent of the national population and are forced to adopt a secondary role or back seat when it comes to policy matters.
More often they are not consulted.
This can be very frustrating and undermines the culture of secularism cultivated thus far.
To avoid the far reaching effects, perhaps the government must adopt a more proactive approach.
Create Indian majority areas
Consultation and engagement will advance the nation in the right direction. It will undoubtedly enhance the sense of belonging which is currently eroding steadily.
(i) The task force must, in consultation with the government, create or endeavor to create and preserve constituencies with Indian majority.
Such creation will provide a sense of security and continued survival of an ethnic race.
There is no real fear in this. The delineation of parliamentary and state constituencies is currently causing serious fragmentation of Indians.
Certainly this does not auger well on the Election Commission.
Perhaps reconsideration has now become so necessary. For instance, in Klang the Indian population constitute 19 percent and in Port Dickson 20.7 percent.
Kuala Selangor, Seremban, Hilir Perak and Ulu Selangor have an Indian population of more than 18 percent.
These constituencies must be preserved with the current Indian strong hold and representatives elected must remain Indian.
Similarly, the State of Selangor has an Indian population of 18 percent followed by Negeri Sembilan and Perak having 17 percent and 14 percent, Pulau Pinang has 11 percent, Kedah and Melaka respectively having 8 percent and Johore has 6 percent.
These states must allocate more seats for Indian candidates to better represent their interest.
The current allocation of 9 Parliamentary seats and 27 States seats is grossly insufficient. It is imperative that the government must engage in re-evaluation.
(j) The Task force must engineer a magical formula to combat and defeat crime among Malaysian Indians.
As at 1996, there were 2,251 Indian prisoners.
In the year 2002, there were 3864 Indian prisoners. The alarming rise in the number of Indian prisoners is quite worrying and disturbing.
In the year 2004, Indian youths in prison were 16.4 percent and youths in custody was 65.5 percent and juveniles constituted 7.6 percent.
By our standard, the statistics provided are quite disturbing and disheartening. We must therefore fashion reform programmes that would be beneficial to them and would have a long term success.
NEP for Indians
Additionally, the elements contributing to an increase in the crime level must be equally understood.
Upon identification of these elements, we must carefully address them. While this may be a huge task, the government must create solutions to overcome them.
It's quite pointless to shelf them or leave them unattended.
Crime by nature is contagious and a concerted effort is necessary.
(k) The task force must encourage Malaysian Indians to take part in the private sector.
Business licenses should be made freely available and all unfair requirements should be abandoned.
Application for such licenses should be simple and straight forward. Bureaucratic red tape should be reduced.
Preferential requirements should not cloud such applications.
The question of discrimination must never arise. Once again this would require the more realistic approach and the current rules and regulations in force must be carefully modified to accommodate the less fortunate Indians.
(l) The task force must recommend to the Malaysian government in the strongest language asking the government to replicate the NEP for Malaysian Indians.
I also ask the government to fix a time frame in the implementation of the NEP for Malaysian Indians.
The government must undertake this responsibility. This task must never be left to a political party. The approach to be taken in the implementation of the NEP must be wholesome and there should not be any apprehension.
(m) The task force must recommend to the government that all Indians without ID must be issued of one with immediate effect without any hesitation or reservation.
Any confirmation that they may seek prior to issuance of the ID's must be minimal and such process must never be complicated. The total number of individuals without ID's must be accurately ascertained.
For this purpose a nationwide pilot study must be carried out.
(n) The task force must consistently engage in dialogue with interested and concerned parties so as to improve the living conditions of Malaysian Indians.
When set backs are identified and raised the Task force must encourage and welcome suggestions and recommendations.
In this connection, it is always important to maintain an open mind with a view to resolving problems.
I welcome the 1Malaysia concept currently advocated by the government.
In the hope of fostering greater understanding tolerance and a sense of belonging I hereby present a preliminary solution plan which is cohesive and coherent to improve the conditions of Malaysian Indians.
-------------------
V GANABATIRAU was arrested under the Internal Security Act in December 2007 for his activities with Hindraf. He was released last April.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
CPPS Roundtable Discussion
Review of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s First 100 Days in Office
Date: Tuesday, 28th July 2009
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Venue: Malaysian Bar Council
Tentative Programme
2:45 PM : Registration
3:00 PM : Opening Remarks by Tan Sri Ramon V. Navaratnam,
Chairman of CPPS
3:05 PM – 4:40 PM : Reflections on the 100 Days of Prime Minister
RTD Invited Discussants
V. Gayathry – (Centre for Independent Journalism) – Media Freedom
Datuk Dr. Denison Jayasooria (Institute of Ethnic Studies, UKM) – National Unity & Ethnic relations
Dato’ Michael Yeoh (CEO Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute) tbc – Business/Economic perspective
Maria Chin Abdullah (EMPOWER) – Gender issues
Nora Murat (Amnesty International Malaysia) – Human Rights
4:40PM – 4:50PM :Tea Break
4:50 PM – 6:00 PM:Comments from participants of the RTD
Date: Tuesday, 28th July 2009
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Venue: Malaysian Bar Council
Tentative Programme
2:45 PM : Registration
3:00 PM : Opening Remarks by Tan Sri Ramon V. Navaratnam,
Chairman of CPPS
3:05 PM – 4:40 PM : Reflections on the 100 Days of Prime Minister
RTD Invited Discussants
V. Gayathry – (Centre for Independent Journalism) – Media Freedom
Datuk Dr. Denison Jayasooria (Institute of Ethnic Studies, UKM) – National Unity & Ethnic relations
Dato’ Michael Yeoh (CEO Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute) tbc – Business/Economic perspective
Maria Chin Abdullah (EMPOWER) – Gender issues
Nora Murat (Amnesty International Malaysia) – Human Rights
4:40PM – 4:50PM :Tea Break
4:50 PM – 6:00 PM:Comments from participants of the RTD
Friday, July 17, 2009
SUHAKAM: HUMAN RIGHTS STANDARDS MUST BE MAINTAINED AND PRACTISED DURING INVESTIGATIONS AND INTERROGATIONS BY THE MACC AND ALL OTHER ENFORCEMENT AGENCI
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) is concerned and deeply disturbed by the unfortunate death of Teoh Beng Hock, the aide to a Selangor state executive council member, who was assisting the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)’s investigation into the allegations of misuse of constituency development funds by several State Assemblymen.
It was reported that Teoh was brought to the MACC office in Shah Alam at around 6.00 pm in the evening and was released at around 3.45 am the next morning to assist the agency’s investigation. SUHAKAM is of the view that such long continuous process of investigation could amount to mental torture.
According to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, torture involves any act inflicted on a person for obtaining from him or a third person information or confession with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity. SUHAKAM has, since 2003, continuously recommended to the Government to sign or accede to the said Convention. SUHAKAM strongly believes that by doing so, the Government will have an effective framework and show of commitment to address problems related to torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment in the country. SUHAKAM urges the Government to seriously consider signing or acceding to the Convention.
Additionally, this is not the first complaint SUHAKAM received against the MACC. In the year 2008, SUHAKAM recorded two complaints against the MACC’s officers in conducting investigations where they have been allegedly using force. The matter has been referred to the Police for investigation and SUHAKAM has yet to receive the development on the two cases from the Police.
SUHAKAM will carry out an independent investigation into this incident and if deemed appropriate after further investigations will decide at the next monthly meeting whether a Public Inquiry should be carried out.
Meanwhile SUHAKAM urges the MACC and other enforcement agencies to ensure that Human Rights standards are maintained and practised at all times, including in the course of interrogating witnesses and suspects.
- end -
“HUMAN RIGHTS FOR ALL”
TAN SRI DATUK SERI PANGLIMA SIMON SIPAUN
Vice Chairman
DATO’ DR MICHAEL YEOH
Chairperson, Economic, Social, Cultural, Civil and Political Rights Working Group
DATO’ CHOO SIEW KIOH
Chairperson, International Issues and Cooperation Committee
DATUK DR DENISON JAYASOORIA
Commissioner, Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
17 July 2009
It was reported that Teoh was brought to the MACC office in Shah Alam at around 6.00 pm in the evening and was released at around 3.45 am the next morning to assist the agency’s investigation. SUHAKAM is of the view that such long continuous process of investigation could amount to mental torture.
According to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, torture involves any act inflicted on a person for obtaining from him or a third person information or confession with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity. SUHAKAM has, since 2003, continuously recommended to the Government to sign or accede to the said Convention. SUHAKAM strongly believes that by doing so, the Government will have an effective framework and show of commitment to address problems related to torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment in the country. SUHAKAM urges the Government to seriously consider signing or acceding to the Convention.
Additionally, this is not the first complaint SUHAKAM received against the MACC. In the year 2008, SUHAKAM recorded two complaints against the MACC’s officers in conducting investigations where they have been allegedly using force. The matter has been referred to the Police for investigation and SUHAKAM has yet to receive the development on the two cases from the Police.
SUHAKAM will carry out an independent investigation into this incident and if deemed appropriate after further investigations will decide at the next monthly meeting whether a Public Inquiry should be carried out.
Meanwhile SUHAKAM urges the MACC and other enforcement agencies to ensure that Human Rights standards are maintained and practised at all times, including in the course of interrogating witnesses and suspects.
- end -
“HUMAN RIGHTS FOR ALL”
TAN SRI DATUK SERI PANGLIMA SIMON SIPAUN
Vice Chairman
DATO’ DR MICHAEL YEOH
Chairperson, Economic, Social, Cultural, Civil and Political Rights Working Group
DATO’ CHOO SIEW KIOH
Chairperson, International Issues and Cooperation Committee
DATUK DR DENISON JAYASOORIA
Commissioner, Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
17 July 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Court: Demolition of church unlawful
by Hafiz Yatim (Malaysiakini)
The Kota Bharu High Court today ruled that the Gua Musang local authority had unlawfully demolished a church building in an Orang Asli settlement.
Justice Mohd Azlan Hashim ordered the local authority to pay damages and costs.
"It acted unlawfully to demolish the church without giving a due notice of 30 days,” he said.
He also declared that the authority's move to put up a multi-purpose building on the site of the church was an act of trespass".
The judge has ordered the court registrar to assess the exemplary damages and costs at a later date.
The Temiar Orang Asli community of Kampung Jias was represented by Lum Chee Seng and N Subramaniyan.
Kelantan legal adviser Khalid Anwar represented the state government and other agencies.
Chronology of events
The case was filed on July 1, 2007 by village head Pedik Busu and three villagers, who named the Gua Musang District Council head, the Gua Musang Assistant Land and District Officer and the PAS-led state government as respondents.
According to Pastor Moses Soo, the community had embraced Christianity in February 2007 and wanted to erect a small church to mark their faith.
After consulting the Village Development and Security Committee and the Department of Orang Asli Affairs, they proceeded with the construction with the help of volunteers and donations.
On April 11, the Gua Musang district land office issued a 'stop work' order. The letter stated that the construction was being carried out on state land without permission from the authorities.
However, the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship of Malaysia told the land office that the site belonged to the villagers.
In spite of this, another 'stop work' order was issued on April 19, followed by notice dated May 24 that the building would be demolished. The bulldozers arrived on June 4.
(Source: Malaysiakini, July 15, 2009 at 11.40am)
The Kota Bharu High Court today ruled that the Gua Musang local authority had unlawfully demolished a church building in an Orang Asli settlement.
Justice Mohd Azlan Hashim ordered the local authority to pay damages and costs.
"It acted unlawfully to demolish the church without giving a due notice of 30 days,” he said.
He also declared that the authority's move to put up a multi-purpose building on the site of the church was an act of trespass".
The judge has ordered the court registrar to assess the exemplary damages and costs at a later date.
The Temiar Orang Asli community of Kampung Jias was represented by Lum Chee Seng and N Subramaniyan.
Kelantan legal adviser Khalid Anwar represented the state government and other agencies.
Chronology of events
The case was filed on July 1, 2007 by village head Pedik Busu and three villagers, who named the Gua Musang District Council head, the Gua Musang Assistant Land and District Officer and the PAS-led state government as respondents.
According to Pastor Moses Soo, the community had embraced Christianity in February 2007 and wanted to erect a small church to mark their faith.
After consulting the Village Development and Security Committee and the Department of Orang Asli Affairs, they proceeded with the construction with the help of volunteers and donations.
On April 11, the Gua Musang district land office issued a 'stop work' order. The letter stated that the construction was being carried out on state land without permission from the authorities.
However, the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship of Malaysia told the land office that the site belonged to the villagers.
In spite of this, another 'stop work' order was issued on April 19, followed by notice dated May 24 that the building would be demolished. The bulldozers arrived on June 4.
(Source: Malaysiakini, July 15, 2009 at 11.40am)
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
SUHAKAM TO HOLD A PUBLIC INQUIRY
EDITOR, NEWS DESK
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS STATEMENT
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) at its monthly meeting on 13 July 2009 has decided to hold a Public Inquiry on the arrests of five lawyers from the KL Legal Aid Centre outside the Brickfields Police Station on the night of 7 May 2009.
SUHAKAM has appointed a three-member Panel chaired by Commissioner Dato’ Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, and commissioners Dato’ Dr Michael Yeoh and Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria to conduct the Public Inquiry.
The Public Inquiry will determine whether or not the arrests of the 5 lawyers contravened provisions of the Federal Constitution and other substantive and procedural criminal laws which guarantee the Right to Counsel to an arrested person and whether or not there was justification or necessity to arrest the lawyers under Section 27 of the Police Act, 1967.
- end -
“HUMAN RIGHTS FOR ALL”
TAN SRI DATUK SERI PANGLIMA SIMON SIPAUN
Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Vice Chairman
13 July 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS STATEMENT
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) at its monthly meeting on 13 July 2009 has decided to hold a Public Inquiry on the arrests of five lawyers from the KL Legal Aid Centre outside the Brickfields Police Station on the night of 7 May 2009.
SUHAKAM has appointed a three-member Panel chaired by Commissioner Dato’ Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, and commissioners Dato’ Dr Michael Yeoh and Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria to conduct the Public Inquiry.
The Public Inquiry will determine whether or not the arrests of the 5 lawyers contravened provisions of the Federal Constitution and other substantive and procedural criminal laws which guarantee the Right to Counsel to an arrested person and whether or not there was justification or necessity to arrest the lawyers under Section 27 of the Police Act, 1967.
- end -
“HUMAN RIGHTS FOR ALL”
TAN SRI DATUK SERI PANGLIMA SIMON SIPAUN
Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Vice Chairman
13 July 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Pick leaders who can win back community, MIC delegates told.
PUTRAJAYA, July 13 (Bernama) -- The 1,400 delegates to the MIC general assembly in September must pick leaders who could win back the 1.8 million Malaysian Indians into the Barisan Nasional (BN) fold, said political analyst and renowned researcher Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria.
"This is most important. MIC politics is not just politics involving the MIC delegates. It is really the question of who will the Indian community trust in the post-March 8, 2008 political tsunami.
"The opposition has outstanding Indian leaders who often transcend their own community and have become flag-bearers for human rights, democracy, justice, fairness, good governance and accountability. Who within MIC can face these political heroes who have captured the Indian hearts and minds?" he said in an interview with Bernama.
At the general assembly, the MIC will also hold the election for the posts of deputy president, three vice-presidents and 23 central working committee members. Long-serving party president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu won the MIC presidential election uncontested for a record 11th term in March, this year.
Incumbent deputy president Datuk G. Palanivel, former deputy president Datuk S. Subramaniam and party vice-president Datuk S. Sothinathan have announced their intention to contest the party's number two post.
The veep race is still uncertain with several leaders like Human Resource Minister and MIC secretary-general Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam, Federal Territories Deputy Minister and party information chief Datuk M. Saravanan and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk S.K. Devamany, who is also the MIC treasurer-general, expected to join the fray.
Denison argued that the delegates to the assembly must pick a new breed of leaders, "basically new faces who can instil confidence that the party is truly reforming in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's policy reform and also in line with the Indian community's expectations".
"While academic qualifications and experience can be an added value, what is most essential is for men and women with character and high moral values.
"Therefore, the delegates must consider leaders who are free from any scandal or link with gangs or criminal activities, as well as free from financial controversies," said Denison, who is also a Malaysian Human Rights Commissioner.
He said age was another factor to take into account in picking national leaders as too often those who had held their post for long were not prepared to give it up.
"The MIC delegates must elect a majority who are in their late 40's and early 50's. The urgent appeal is to drop those who have held their post for the past 10 to 15 years in the CWC.
"The MIC must take a critical but honest view of this matter. Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik and Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik have stepped down and allowed their parties to move on with younger leaders," he said.
Denison also warned about the danger of "chores singing" and heaping praises on national leaders with very little room for dissenting views and voices in today's politics. "There must be tolerance for alternative views, especially in a climate where we want innovation and creativity."
He said the delegates must also ensure that the national leadership is more inclusive of all sub-Indian communities such as Tamils, Northern Indians, Telugus, Malayalees and Ceylon Tamils, as well as Indian Christians, Indian Muslims and Sikhs alongside the dominant Hindu leaders.
He also called on them to elect leaders who have clear understanding of the community's expectations and the aspirations of the other communities in Malaysia, instead of those who espouse strong racial and religious views for political expectancy.
"Failure to choose the right political leaders will further impact the credibility of the party and its leadership in the eyes of the Indian community and other communities in Malaysia, and this will further erode the party's role in the community, government and nation.
"Therefore, the time is ripe for the MIC not in its old form but renewed under a new leadership to ride the tide of change with a dynamic prime minister and his public policies. The future of the party is in the hands of the delegates," he said.
-- BERNAMA
"This is most important. MIC politics is not just politics involving the MIC delegates. It is really the question of who will the Indian community trust in the post-March 8, 2008 political tsunami.
"The opposition has outstanding Indian leaders who often transcend their own community and have become flag-bearers for human rights, democracy, justice, fairness, good governance and accountability. Who within MIC can face these political heroes who have captured the Indian hearts and minds?" he said in an interview with Bernama.
At the general assembly, the MIC will also hold the election for the posts of deputy president, three vice-presidents and 23 central working committee members. Long-serving party president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu won the MIC presidential election uncontested for a record 11th term in March, this year.
Incumbent deputy president Datuk G. Palanivel, former deputy president Datuk S. Subramaniam and party vice-president Datuk S. Sothinathan have announced their intention to contest the party's number two post.
The veep race is still uncertain with several leaders like Human Resource Minister and MIC secretary-general Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam, Federal Territories Deputy Minister and party information chief Datuk M. Saravanan and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk S.K. Devamany, who is also the MIC treasurer-general, expected to join the fray.
Denison argued that the delegates to the assembly must pick a new breed of leaders, "basically new faces who can instil confidence that the party is truly reforming in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's policy reform and also in line with the Indian community's expectations".
"While academic qualifications and experience can be an added value, what is most essential is for men and women with character and high moral values.
"Therefore, the delegates must consider leaders who are free from any scandal or link with gangs or criminal activities, as well as free from financial controversies," said Denison, who is also a Malaysian Human Rights Commissioner.
He said age was another factor to take into account in picking national leaders as too often those who had held their post for long were not prepared to give it up.
"The MIC delegates must elect a majority who are in their late 40's and early 50's. The urgent appeal is to drop those who have held their post for the past 10 to 15 years in the CWC.
"The MIC must take a critical but honest view of this matter. Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik and Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik have stepped down and allowed their parties to move on with younger leaders," he said.
Denison also warned about the danger of "chores singing" and heaping praises on national leaders with very little room for dissenting views and voices in today's politics. "There must be tolerance for alternative views, especially in a climate where we want innovation and creativity."
He said the delegates must also ensure that the national leadership is more inclusive of all sub-Indian communities such as Tamils, Northern Indians, Telugus, Malayalees and Ceylon Tamils, as well as Indian Christians, Indian Muslims and Sikhs alongside the dominant Hindu leaders.
He also called on them to elect leaders who have clear understanding of the community's expectations and the aspirations of the other communities in Malaysia, instead of those who espouse strong racial and religious views for political expectancy.
"Failure to choose the right political leaders will further impact the credibility of the party and its leadership in the eyes of the Indian community and other communities in Malaysia, and this will further erode the party's role in the community, government and nation.
"Therefore, the time is ripe for the MIC not in its old form but renewed under a new leadership to ride the tide of change with a dynamic prime minister and his public policies. The future of the party is in the hands of the delegates," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Dato Seri Najib and Indian Political Struggle
By Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has captured a large section of the Malaysian community through his numerous new policy initiatives pertaining to economic reform and liberalization which are bold moves to address fundament issues during this economic down turn. His bold and decisive leadership in seeking to address delivery and implementation through public institutions is timely. In a similar way his 1Malaysia concept and his willingness to engage with all people through an accessible medium the internet is indeed praiseworthy.
While Datuk Seri Najib has passed the first 100 days with flying colors nonetheless there are many critical issues pertaining to democratic governance which must be address in the medium and long term. In addition creating a more inclusive society and addressing many socio-economic and cultural-religious concerns will require greater negotiations and unbiased reliance on the principles of human rights, justice and fairness for all the diverse ethnic and sub ethnic groups in Malaysia.
Political Vacuum in the Indian Community
However one weak link in the realization of this 1Malaysia concept is the vacuum in the Indian leadership within the Barisian National. While MIC has been the sole Indian partner alongside the UMNO and MCA, however since March 8, 2008 critical issues have emerged revealing the weakness of the BN especially the weak performance of MCA, MIC, Gerakan and PPP. These issues have been well documented by political analyst.
MIC has lost the Indian base and the emergence of a team of young and dynamic politicians in the Opposition front has further weaken the leadership MIC has given the Indian community especially in representing their interest at the Federal, State and local governments. This monopoly has been broken and there is fear if MIC can ever recapture the India vote as before for the BN.
However the recent events in the political landscape have raised concerns within the Indian community if the Opposition parties are truly able and willing to address the Indian concerns in an effective way as promised during the election period. There is therefore some lose of confidence with state and local governments in the control of opposition parties.
Furthermore the change in leadership of Prime Ministers from Abdullah to Najib and direct approach adopted by Datuk Seri Seri Najib in reaching out to the Indian community has earned him the support of a sizable number of Malaysian Indians as reflected in the Merdeka polls. His willingness to meet and dialogue with the Makal Sakthi leaders and the release of the Hindraft leaders from ISA detention has now neturalised this group and won some over as friends.
Indian Minority Grievances
There is a continuing need beyond the 100 days for the Prime Minister to address the specific grievances of the Indian low income families with special reference to social inclusion and access to urban poverty eradication programmes, small and micro business development especially in terms of business loans and training, ensuring better educational performance at the pre, primary, secondary schools and more opportunities in post secondary institutions. Ensuring greater employment opportunities in the civil service and investment in enlarging equity are essential.
It is of utmost importance that Datuk Seri Najib sees these pragmatic socio-economic development concerns from a social needs based approach alongside other poor and disadvantaged groups. Adopting similar approaches like that in addressing poverty among Malay poor is essential. In addition adequate budget and infrastructure of personal and designated delivery institutions are of utmost importance. These must be measured by KPI’s and outcome measures. In a similar way other minorities among the Bumiputra communities like the Orang Asli and natives of Sabah and Sarawak must be systematically addressed. In this way the social justice and social inclusion component of 1Malaysia will be realised. Greater publicity of opportunities and outcomes must be disseminated to all in a transparent and accountable way.
MIC Party Elections in September 2009
Returning to the theme of Indian leadership vacuum in the Barisan National it is therefore imperative for the MIC to re-look at itself very carefully especially as the party in going to elect national leaders in September.
As the delegates select the Deputy President, Vice Presidents and members of the Central Working Committee they could consider these simple criteria’s.
Firstly, elect leaders who will be able to win back the Indian community. This is most important. MIC politics is not just the politics within the MIC delegates. It is really the question of who would the Indian community trust in the post-March 8, 2008 political tsunami. Opposition has outstanding Indian leaders who often transcend their own community and have become flag barer for human rights, democracy, justice, fairness, good governance and accountability. Who within MIC can face these political heroes who have captured the Indian hearts and minds?
Secondly, the delegates must elect a new breed of political leaders. They must be basically new faces who can instill confidence that the party is truly reforming in line with the PM’s policy reform but also in line with the Indian community expectations. While academic qualifications and experience can be an added value however what is most essential is for men and women with character and high moral values.
Therefore the delegates must now consider leaders who are free from any kind of scandals such as link with gangs or criminal activities or associated with it. They also must be free from financial controversies.
Thirdly, age is a critical factor. Too often those who have held the post for long are not prepared to give up their position. MIC delegates must elect a majority who are in their late 40’s and early 50s. Urgent appeal is to drop those who have held post for the past 10 to 15 years in the CWC.
MIC must take a critical but honest look on this matter. Tun Dr Mahthir Mohamad, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Tun Ling Liong Siek & Tun Lim Keng Yeik have stepped down and allowed their parties to move on with younger leaders. They have played their role and for love of the party and community they have ended their role as party leaders and role in government. However they continue to make tremendous contributions to nation building.
Tun Dr Mahthir’s views still dominate political thought and keep many a political leader in check. These are healthy sign of a vibrant democracy and speaking up is essential. The danger in today’s political culture is ‘chores singing’ and heaping up praises for national leaders with very little room for dissenting views and voices. There must be tolerance for alternative views especially in a climate where we want innovation and creativity.
UMNO and MCA have undergone a dramatic leadership change. Many senior UMNO and MCA leaders who won in the last general elections as MPs are now sitting as back benchers. There is honor in politics to make way for the next generation of leaders to take the mantel and become trail blasers especially in preparing for the next General Elections and in finding solutions to critical community and national concerns.
MIC leadership especially the delegates must think not for themselves but for the Indian community & Barisan National as a whole. They must take a bold step towards change and this can only begin with MIC leaders in their 50s taking over the mantel of leadership and riding alongside a young Prime Minister with an agenda for socio-economic reform. A failure to this will be further devastating for the MIC as it might be further left behind.
Fourthly, the delegates must not just think of male politicians only as it is traditional done but also women to serve in political leadership. Women form a major portion of the MIC membership and they have served well in the past and they can bring a pleasant change to the political vacuum if more assume leadership. Therefore there must be an increase of women with the MIC leadership at the Centre Working Committee.
Fifthly, delegates must ensure that the national leadership is more inclusive of all sub Indian communities such as Tamils, North Indians (including Punjabis), Telugus, Malayees and Celyon Tamils. There must be inclusion of Indian Christians, Indian Muslims and Sikhs alongside the dominant Hindu leaders. Delegates must exercise greater wisdom in ensuring the Indian diversity and richness of tradition is captured not just by tokenism but authentic partnership in the political landscape of the Barisan National. If this is not possible through elections then the MIC President must use his powers in appointing members to ensure women and sub minorities are adequately represented in the CWC.
The MIC has a rich tradition and heritage historically where thousands of leaders at the grassroots served the community and nation. My late father Daniel Jayaratnam was one such man alongside Tun Sambanthan in the independence and early period of our nation. It is therefore imperative for MIC to return to the early achievements. The political climate is today ready for a renewed-revitalized MIC under new leadership to steer the party for the best interest of the community and nation. The new agenda of Najib as PM has won ordinary people. The weaknesses in the opposition especially with recent turn of events in the Indian community have created doubt in the hearts and minds of the Indian people.
Sixthly, the delegates must elect party leaders who have a clear understanding of the community expectations and also the aspirations of other communities in Malaysia. Often during party elections many politicians take very strong racial and religious stands for political expectancy. However we need Malaysian Indian leaders who have a true Malaysian framework, holding a balance between community expectations and national interest. Our nation needs men and women who will do the right thing for the common good of all Malaysians and who are willing to make a public stand for what is true and good for the nation and be held accountable for them.
Time for change is now
Therefore the time is ripe for the MIC not in its old form but renewed under new leadership to ride the tide of change with a dynamic Prime Minister and his public policies. The future of the party is in the hands of the delegates. Restoring democracy within the party and voting without fear or favor is essential. Speaking up and taking a clear stand for truth, honesty, fairness, equality and justice is a must. The party should not be lead by a team who feel only obligated to their senior politicians. They must have their own mind.
Failure to choose the right political leaders will further impact the credibility of the party and its leadership in the eyes of the Indian community and other communities in Malaysia. This will further erode the party role in the community, government and nation.
History will judge the delegates for the decisions they take in the September party election. Our prayer is that they will do the right and honorable thing for the advancement of the party, community and nation. ‘So help us God’.
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has captured a large section of the Malaysian community through his numerous new policy initiatives pertaining to economic reform and liberalization which are bold moves to address fundament issues during this economic down turn. His bold and decisive leadership in seeking to address delivery and implementation through public institutions is timely. In a similar way his 1Malaysia concept and his willingness to engage with all people through an accessible medium the internet is indeed praiseworthy.
While Datuk Seri Najib has passed the first 100 days with flying colors nonetheless there are many critical issues pertaining to democratic governance which must be address in the medium and long term. In addition creating a more inclusive society and addressing many socio-economic and cultural-religious concerns will require greater negotiations and unbiased reliance on the principles of human rights, justice and fairness for all the diverse ethnic and sub ethnic groups in Malaysia.
Political Vacuum in the Indian Community
However one weak link in the realization of this 1Malaysia concept is the vacuum in the Indian leadership within the Barisian National. While MIC has been the sole Indian partner alongside the UMNO and MCA, however since March 8, 2008 critical issues have emerged revealing the weakness of the BN especially the weak performance of MCA, MIC, Gerakan and PPP. These issues have been well documented by political analyst.
MIC has lost the Indian base and the emergence of a team of young and dynamic politicians in the Opposition front has further weaken the leadership MIC has given the Indian community especially in representing their interest at the Federal, State and local governments. This monopoly has been broken and there is fear if MIC can ever recapture the India vote as before for the BN.
However the recent events in the political landscape have raised concerns within the Indian community if the Opposition parties are truly able and willing to address the Indian concerns in an effective way as promised during the election period. There is therefore some lose of confidence with state and local governments in the control of opposition parties.
Furthermore the change in leadership of Prime Ministers from Abdullah to Najib and direct approach adopted by Datuk Seri Seri Najib in reaching out to the Indian community has earned him the support of a sizable number of Malaysian Indians as reflected in the Merdeka polls. His willingness to meet and dialogue with the Makal Sakthi leaders and the release of the Hindraft leaders from ISA detention has now neturalised this group and won some over as friends.
Indian Minority Grievances
There is a continuing need beyond the 100 days for the Prime Minister to address the specific grievances of the Indian low income families with special reference to social inclusion and access to urban poverty eradication programmes, small and micro business development especially in terms of business loans and training, ensuring better educational performance at the pre, primary, secondary schools and more opportunities in post secondary institutions. Ensuring greater employment opportunities in the civil service and investment in enlarging equity are essential.
It is of utmost importance that Datuk Seri Najib sees these pragmatic socio-economic development concerns from a social needs based approach alongside other poor and disadvantaged groups. Adopting similar approaches like that in addressing poverty among Malay poor is essential. In addition adequate budget and infrastructure of personal and designated delivery institutions are of utmost importance. These must be measured by KPI’s and outcome measures. In a similar way other minorities among the Bumiputra communities like the Orang Asli and natives of Sabah and Sarawak must be systematically addressed. In this way the social justice and social inclusion component of 1Malaysia will be realised. Greater publicity of opportunities and outcomes must be disseminated to all in a transparent and accountable way.
MIC Party Elections in September 2009
Returning to the theme of Indian leadership vacuum in the Barisan National it is therefore imperative for the MIC to re-look at itself very carefully especially as the party in going to elect national leaders in September.
As the delegates select the Deputy President, Vice Presidents and members of the Central Working Committee they could consider these simple criteria’s.
Firstly, elect leaders who will be able to win back the Indian community. This is most important. MIC politics is not just the politics within the MIC delegates. It is really the question of who would the Indian community trust in the post-March 8, 2008 political tsunami. Opposition has outstanding Indian leaders who often transcend their own community and have become flag barer for human rights, democracy, justice, fairness, good governance and accountability. Who within MIC can face these political heroes who have captured the Indian hearts and minds?
Secondly, the delegates must elect a new breed of political leaders. They must be basically new faces who can instill confidence that the party is truly reforming in line with the PM’s policy reform but also in line with the Indian community expectations. While academic qualifications and experience can be an added value however what is most essential is for men and women with character and high moral values.
Therefore the delegates must now consider leaders who are free from any kind of scandals such as link with gangs or criminal activities or associated with it. They also must be free from financial controversies.
Thirdly, age is a critical factor. Too often those who have held the post for long are not prepared to give up their position. MIC delegates must elect a majority who are in their late 40’s and early 50s. Urgent appeal is to drop those who have held post for the past 10 to 15 years in the CWC.
MIC must take a critical but honest look on this matter. Tun Dr Mahthir Mohamad, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Tun Ling Liong Siek & Tun Lim Keng Yeik have stepped down and allowed their parties to move on with younger leaders. They have played their role and for love of the party and community they have ended their role as party leaders and role in government. However they continue to make tremendous contributions to nation building.
Tun Dr Mahthir’s views still dominate political thought and keep many a political leader in check. These are healthy sign of a vibrant democracy and speaking up is essential. The danger in today’s political culture is ‘chores singing’ and heaping up praises for national leaders with very little room for dissenting views and voices. There must be tolerance for alternative views especially in a climate where we want innovation and creativity.
UMNO and MCA have undergone a dramatic leadership change. Many senior UMNO and MCA leaders who won in the last general elections as MPs are now sitting as back benchers. There is honor in politics to make way for the next generation of leaders to take the mantel and become trail blasers especially in preparing for the next General Elections and in finding solutions to critical community and national concerns.
MIC leadership especially the delegates must think not for themselves but for the Indian community & Barisan National as a whole. They must take a bold step towards change and this can only begin with MIC leaders in their 50s taking over the mantel of leadership and riding alongside a young Prime Minister with an agenda for socio-economic reform. A failure to this will be further devastating for the MIC as it might be further left behind.
Fourthly, the delegates must not just think of male politicians only as it is traditional done but also women to serve in political leadership. Women form a major portion of the MIC membership and they have served well in the past and they can bring a pleasant change to the political vacuum if more assume leadership. Therefore there must be an increase of women with the MIC leadership at the Centre Working Committee.
Fifthly, delegates must ensure that the national leadership is more inclusive of all sub Indian communities such as Tamils, North Indians (including Punjabis), Telugus, Malayees and Celyon Tamils. There must be inclusion of Indian Christians, Indian Muslims and Sikhs alongside the dominant Hindu leaders. Delegates must exercise greater wisdom in ensuring the Indian diversity and richness of tradition is captured not just by tokenism but authentic partnership in the political landscape of the Barisan National. If this is not possible through elections then the MIC President must use his powers in appointing members to ensure women and sub minorities are adequately represented in the CWC.
The MIC has a rich tradition and heritage historically where thousands of leaders at the grassroots served the community and nation. My late father Daniel Jayaratnam was one such man alongside Tun Sambanthan in the independence and early period of our nation. It is therefore imperative for MIC to return to the early achievements. The political climate is today ready for a renewed-revitalized MIC under new leadership to steer the party for the best interest of the community and nation. The new agenda of Najib as PM has won ordinary people. The weaknesses in the opposition especially with recent turn of events in the Indian community have created doubt in the hearts and minds of the Indian people.
Sixthly, the delegates must elect party leaders who have a clear understanding of the community expectations and also the aspirations of other communities in Malaysia. Often during party elections many politicians take very strong racial and religious stands for political expectancy. However we need Malaysian Indian leaders who have a true Malaysian framework, holding a balance between community expectations and national interest. Our nation needs men and women who will do the right thing for the common good of all Malaysians and who are willing to make a public stand for what is true and good for the nation and be held accountable for them.
Time for change is now
Therefore the time is ripe for the MIC not in its old form but renewed under new leadership to ride the tide of change with a dynamic Prime Minister and his public policies. The future of the party is in the hands of the delegates. Restoring democracy within the party and voting without fear or favor is essential. Speaking up and taking a clear stand for truth, honesty, fairness, equality and justice is a must. The party should not be lead by a team who feel only obligated to their senior politicians. They must have their own mind.
Failure to choose the right political leaders will further impact the credibility of the party and its leadership in the eyes of the Indian community and other communities in Malaysia. This will further erode the party role in the community, government and nation.
History will judge the delegates for the decisions they take in the September party election. Our prayer is that they will do the right and honorable thing for the advancement of the party, community and nation. ‘So help us God’.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
In Brickfields, a Najib corners the Indian vote
By Baradan Kuppusamy
KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 — At the popular Restaurant Sri Kotumalai in the predominantly Indian neighbourhood of Brickfields a large picture of the prime minister hangs on a wall with the words “Najib’s Corner” printed on the side.
The photograph shows a smiling Datuk Seri Najib Razak surrounded by successful Indian traders drinking tea, an image hundreds if not thousands of customers must have seen since it first went up on April 4.
This is just one example of the direct approach that Najib took and is taking after becoming Prime Minister on April 3 to win the hearts and minds of an Indian community deeply alienated in the run up to the March 8, 2008 general election and which had overwhelmingly voted for the Pakatan Rakyat.
Najib’s battle to improve Indian perception started a day after he was sworn in as prime minister on April 3 with his visit to Brickfields which some consider as the heart of the Hindraf and Makkal Sakthi movement.
It was at a huge gathering in Brickfields that Indian voters first heard opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim and Lembah Pantai candidate Nurul Izzah Anwar, his daughter, speak for the Indian community by offering help and promising to right wrongs.
Nurul went on to defeat Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, the then Women, Family and Community Development Minister, and take her place in parliament.
The Makkal Sakthi fever helped many Pakatan Rakyat leaders win but the Indian enchantment with the coalition has now tapered off.
One hundred days since Najib becoming Prime Minister the hearts and mind battle is winning him approval and supporters in the community as a recent Merdeka Centre poll shows.
The poll shows that his approval rating is 65 per cent, up from 46 per cent in mid-May and 42 per cent just before he became the country’s sixth leader.
Twenty-two per cent are dissatisfied with his performance while 13 per cent were undecided.
Some 1,060 selected registered voters were surveyed between June 19 and July 1.
The Merdeka Centre survey shows that Najib’s support is strongest among the Malays.
Some 74 per cent of Malays polled are satisfied with his performance as PM, while the level of support among Chinese and Indians is 48 per cent and 74 per cent respectively.
“Najib has managed to capture the attention of the people with his numerous reform measures,” said political scientist Dr Denison Jayasooria, adding that the challenge now is for him to translate the promises into concrete action.
“He has to do it in the next two years,” he said.
“He provided bold leadership, showed he was willing to make unpopular but necessary decisions and generally convinced the people that he is a leader to be taken seriously,” Dr Denison said.
One area for concern in his first 100 days is the poor treatment of dissenting voices and his commitment to promoting human rights, which were key concerns of Tun Abdullah Badawi.
“It is not so much Najib is lacking in human rights concerns but police and other agencies have been showing considerable intolerance to dissenters and it reflects on his administration,” Dr Denison said.
“He has to improve on this score in the next two years,” he said.
Putting it all together, he said, he is not surprised there is disappointment with the PR alliance and a significant spike in Indian support for the new prime minister.
“Here is a golden opportunity for the MIC to ride back into favour. They just have to ride on Najib’s reform and to consensus emerging around him to win back Indian support,” he said.
However to do it, the MIC has to promote younger leaders under a new face as party leader, Dr Denison said, referring to the refusal of MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu to step aside for a new face.
“This is a major setback for the MIC,” he said.
(Source: www.themalaysianinsider.com July 11, 2009)
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Indian Studies Department, University Malaya & the recent appointment of a non Indian acting head: Some reflections
By Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria
The recent move by University Malaya to appoint an acting Head who is a non Indian to head the department raises much concern regarding matters pertaining with appointments and management of academic centres and departments in public universities.
It is rumored that the appointment was made as a temporary arrangement as this was the only way out when the appointment of an Indian as the head was unacceptable to other Indians in the department. The issue is seen as infighting within the department and the only way was for the administration to appoint a non Indian with the academic background in an acting position to bring some solution to this administrative conflict among the Indian faculty within the department.
There is an outcry from Indian based political parties and the community on this appointment which is seen as yet another attempt in eroding the identity, position and role of the Malaysian Indian community.
However I would like to expound an alternate view in the light of the PM’s 1Malaysia concept. We must from now on begin to disengage using a race or ethnic framework and shift it more towards merit, qualifications, expertise and performance especially in academic institutions.
The central criteria for any appoint as head, professor, associate professor and becoming a lecture should be based not on ethnicity but expertise, academic achievements. In the case of the Indian Studies Department then language and cultural expertise are essential dimensions as core competencies.
The criteria of qualifications, academic performance and subject expertise should be the criteria for selection. This is already applied in other fields like American, European studies in local public Universities. None Americans and non Europeans are currently teaching these subjects in Malaysia.
If one applied such a principle then the Head of Malay Studies could be a non-Malay and in the case of Chinese Studies a non-Chinese could be appointed. What is most critical is does the individual appointed have the academic expertise with the required credentials. This is the way forward for Malaysia where we must transcend racial and ethnic thinking by providing equal opportunities to all.
In a similar way, institutions such as Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka must also being to recruit non Malays who have the expertise in the Malaya language. Likewise encouraging cross cultural and linguistic studies among Malaysians is essential.
There is also an urgent need for University Malaya to review the Department of Indian Studies and its contemporary relevance in a globalised world. We know that the Department was established in 1956 and has had some outstanding academics such as Prof Arasaratnam and Prof KS Sandhu and many others. There are hundreds of graduates who have graduated from this department and have made lasting contributions to Malaysian society.
We also know that the current focus of the department is on linguistic, literature, religious and socio-cultural heritage of the Indian community. However the department has been weak in the historical, socio-political and economic aspects on the Indian community as no major research has been undertaken or published in this area on par with the works of Arasratnam or KS Sandhu. This dimension with economist, sociologist, anthropologist, political and historical aspects must be strengthened.
In addition should not the department also incorporate India and South Asian Studies and therefore become a more dynamic institution in the light of the political, economic, social and intellectual developments in India and South Asia today? Should it not become more contemporary and relevant with the newly emerged field of Diaspora studies especially on the global Indian community?
It is therefore imperative for us all to ask what is the way forward for this department in modern Malaysia in the context of globalization? Would the University consider hosting a Round Table Discussion among academic and community groups to see how this department can continue to provide outstanding intellectual leadership in Malaysia.
The recent move by University Malaya to appoint an acting Head who is a non Indian to head the department raises much concern regarding matters pertaining with appointments and management of academic centres and departments in public universities.
It is rumored that the appointment was made as a temporary arrangement as this was the only way out when the appointment of an Indian as the head was unacceptable to other Indians in the department. The issue is seen as infighting within the department and the only way was for the administration to appoint a non Indian with the academic background in an acting position to bring some solution to this administrative conflict among the Indian faculty within the department.
There is an outcry from Indian based political parties and the community on this appointment which is seen as yet another attempt in eroding the identity, position and role of the Malaysian Indian community.
However I would like to expound an alternate view in the light of the PM’s 1Malaysia concept. We must from now on begin to disengage using a race or ethnic framework and shift it more towards merit, qualifications, expertise and performance especially in academic institutions.
The central criteria for any appoint as head, professor, associate professor and becoming a lecture should be based not on ethnicity but expertise, academic achievements. In the case of the Indian Studies Department then language and cultural expertise are essential dimensions as core competencies.
The criteria of qualifications, academic performance and subject expertise should be the criteria for selection. This is already applied in other fields like American, European studies in local public Universities. None Americans and non Europeans are currently teaching these subjects in Malaysia.
If one applied such a principle then the Head of Malay Studies could be a non-Malay and in the case of Chinese Studies a non-Chinese could be appointed. What is most critical is does the individual appointed have the academic expertise with the required credentials. This is the way forward for Malaysia where we must transcend racial and ethnic thinking by providing equal opportunities to all.
In a similar way, institutions such as Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka must also being to recruit non Malays who have the expertise in the Malaya language. Likewise encouraging cross cultural and linguistic studies among Malaysians is essential.
There is also an urgent need for University Malaya to review the Department of Indian Studies and its contemporary relevance in a globalised world. We know that the Department was established in 1956 and has had some outstanding academics such as Prof Arasaratnam and Prof KS Sandhu and many others. There are hundreds of graduates who have graduated from this department and have made lasting contributions to Malaysian society.
We also know that the current focus of the department is on linguistic, literature, religious and socio-cultural heritage of the Indian community. However the department has been weak in the historical, socio-political and economic aspects on the Indian community as no major research has been undertaken or published in this area on par with the works of Arasratnam or KS Sandhu. This dimension with economist, sociologist, anthropologist, political and historical aspects must be strengthened.
In addition should not the department also incorporate India and South Asian Studies and therefore become a more dynamic institution in the light of the political, economic, social and intellectual developments in India and South Asia today? Should it not become more contemporary and relevant with the newly emerged field of Diaspora studies especially on the global Indian community?
It is therefore imperative for us all to ask what is the way forward for this department in modern Malaysia in the context of globalization? Would the University consider hosting a Round Table Discussion among academic and community groups to see how this department can continue to provide outstanding intellectual leadership in Malaysia.
Monday, July 06, 2009
DAP under extreme pressure
Comment by BARADAN KUPPUSAMY
The controversy in Kampung Buah Pala has given DAP’s enemies – and its allies – the chance to attack the party for failing to live up to the ideals it had championed before it seized power.
PERCEPTION is everything in politics and the DAP, which has a sound record on this score, should know this.
But with the Kampung Buah Pala controversy dragging on, the party is taking a big hit on the perception front.
The DAP is facing concerted opposition for “failing” to save the village from demolition.
Even its own political allies in Pakatan Rakyat – PAS and PKR – are lined up with the 200 residents of the village along with Hindraf, NGOs like Suaram and Aliran, and not to mention the BN – especially the MIC – and three Tamil newspapers that are giving front-page treatment to the issue.
The same type of anguish was seen during the demolition of the Mariamman Temple in Shah Alam a week before Deepavali in 2007, an inconsiderate act that sparked the Makkal Sakthi movement that eventually toppled the BN Selangor government.
Within the DAP too, a debate is raging between the top leadership and its Indian leaders who are taking the heat from their community for failing to speedily resolve the controversy.
They are discussing several solutions but nothing firm has emerged as yet except that residents should accept compensation and vacate the 2.6ha land.
Party sources said even veteran DAP veterans like life adviser Dr Chen Man Hin and DAP chairman Karpal Singh are worried the party would be seen as “cold and heartless” if a humane solution is not found.
The 200-odd villagers have been issued with eviction notices and face forced expulsion if they don’t vacate the land they and their forefathers have lived on for over a century.
The developer has given a lifeline – a one-month extension - before demolition takes place.
Among the general public, Indians especially, there is rising clamour for DAP secretary-general and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and his deputy Dr P. Ramasamy to come out of their comfort zones and grapple with the real issues of unequal and lopsided development.
NGO critics ask whether Penang needs another massive development that would alienate the people and turn this resort island into a concrete jungle.
They say the state can use its inherent powers to enforce just, fair and humane solutions instead of blaming the eviction order, previous government and the developer.
What is at stake is a traditional way of life which cash cannot buy – arguments made famous by the DAP at numerous forums pre-March 8.
Part of the reason that DAP is not sticking its head out to “save” Kampung Buah Pala is Guan Eng himself.
He goes strictly by the book and is famously adamant in demanding his way on any given issue, believing it is the fit, proper and right way.
Most of the time, he is right and the party defers to him because he goes by the book – he’s tough but fair.
In the Buah Pala case, he has rejected acquisition as a solution because the court has already ruled for an eviction and acquisition would cost a bomb.
He is wrong in taking such a narrow view.
The issues in Buah Pala – repossession, dispossession and alienation of helpless people – are all issues familiar to Guan Eng and his deputy, Dr Ramasamy.
A former academician who devoted much time trying to give voice to the voiceless, Dr Ramasamy was elected to high office with the expectations that the poor would also get the attention and protection like the rich and powerful.
Likewise, Guan Eng had championed the voiceless, promoted holistic development and protection of the marginalised.
Both are under attack now from various quarters for failing to live up to the ideals they had preached. The MIC and the Tamil media are lambasting Dr Ramasamy for “doing nothing” to save Buah Pala, accusations that he himself had levelled against the MIC pre-March 8 over numerous issues.
The Buah Pala controversy offers an opportunity to the Pakatan Rakyat generally and the DAP especially to show compassion to people caught on the wrong end of development.
Previously when people and capital clashed, most of the time the people lost.
They were either evicted or offered cash as compensation. They were uprooted and their traditional way of life destroyed and they ended up thoroughly alienated.
These are the same people who had backed Pakatan Rakyat, expecting better treatment and protection from eviction, desperation and alienation.
Lim’s competency, accountability and transparency principles are truly admirable and is bringing great benefits to the state but it is missing another element – compassion.
Cold efficiency in politics and administration is just not enough to win the hearts and minds of the people.
People need a caring and sharing government that is humane and compassionate in its policies and that protects the helpless from the powerful and rapacious.
In Buah Pala village, the DAP has an opportunity to show compassion before it is too late.
After all, politics is all about perception and the DAP should know.
(Source: The Star Online,Focus, Monday July 6, 2009)
The controversy in Kampung Buah Pala has given DAP’s enemies – and its allies – the chance to attack the party for failing to live up to the ideals it had championed before it seized power.
PERCEPTION is everything in politics and the DAP, which has a sound record on this score, should know this.
But with the Kampung Buah Pala controversy dragging on, the party is taking a big hit on the perception front.
The DAP is facing concerted opposition for “failing” to save the village from demolition.
Even its own political allies in Pakatan Rakyat – PAS and PKR – are lined up with the 200 residents of the village along with Hindraf, NGOs like Suaram and Aliran, and not to mention the BN – especially the MIC – and three Tamil newspapers that are giving front-page treatment to the issue.
The same type of anguish was seen during the demolition of the Mariamman Temple in Shah Alam a week before Deepavali in 2007, an inconsiderate act that sparked the Makkal Sakthi movement that eventually toppled the BN Selangor government.
Within the DAP too, a debate is raging between the top leadership and its Indian leaders who are taking the heat from their community for failing to speedily resolve the controversy.
They are discussing several solutions but nothing firm has emerged as yet except that residents should accept compensation and vacate the 2.6ha land.
Party sources said even veteran DAP veterans like life adviser Dr Chen Man Hin and DAP chairman Karpal Singh are worried the party would be seen as “cold and heartless” if a humane solution is not found.
The 200-odd villagers have been issued with eviction notices and face forced expulsion if they don’t vacate the land they and their forefathers have lived on for over a century.
The developer has given a lifeline – a one-month extension - before demolition takes place.
Among the general public, Indians especially, there is rising clamour for DAP secretary-general and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and his deputy Dr P. Ramasamy to come out of their comfort zones and grapple with the real issues of unequal and lopsided development.
NGO critics ask whether Penang needs another massive development that would alienate the people and turn this resort island into a concrete jungle.
They say the state can use its inherent powers to enforce just, fair and humane solutions instead of blaming the eviction order, previous government and the developer.
What is at stake is a traditional way of life which cash cannot buy – arguments made famous by the DAP at numerous forums pre-March 8.
Part of the reason that DAP is not sticking its head out to “save” Kampung Buah Pala is Guan Eng himself.
He goes strictly by the book and is famously adamant in demanding his way on any given issue, believing it is the fit, proper and right way.
Most of the time, he is right and the party defers to him because he goes by the book – he’s tough but fair.
In the Buah Pala case, he has rejected acquisition as a solution because the court has already ruled for an eviction and acquisition would cost a bomb.
He is wrong in taking such a narrow view.
The issues in Buah Pala – repossession, dispossession and alienation of helpless people – are all issues familiar to Guan Eng and his deputy, Dr Ramasamy.
A former academician who devoted much time trying to give voice to the voiceless, Dr Ramasamy was elected to high office with the expectations that the poor would also get the attention and protection like the rich and powerful.
Likewise, Guan Eng had championed the voiceless, promoted holistic development and protection of the marginalised.
Both are under attack now from various quarters for failing to live up to the ideals they had preached. The MIC and the Tamil media are lambasting Dr Ramasamy for “doing nothing” to save Buah Pala, accusations that he himself had levelled against the MIC pre-March 8 over numerous issues.
The Buah Pala controversy offers an opportunity to the Pakatan Rakyat generally and the DAP especially to show compassion to people caught on the wrong end of development.
Previously when people and capital clashed, most of the time the people lost.
They were either evicted or offered cash as compensation. They were uprooted and their traditional way of life destroyed and they ended up thoroughly alienated.
These are the same people who had backed Pakatan Rakyat, expecting better treatment and protection from eviction, desperation and alienation.
Lim’s competency, accountability and transparency principles are truly admirable and is bringing great benefits to the state but it is missing another element – compassion.
Cold efficiency in politics and administration is just not enough to win the hearts and minds of the people.
People need a caring and sharing government that is humane and compassionate in its policies and that protects the helpless from the powerful and rapacious.
In Buah Pala village, the DAP has an opportunity to show compassion before it is too late.
After all, politics is all about perception and the DAP should know.
(Source: The Star Online,Focus, Monday July 6, 2009)
Three Honoured For The Betterment Of Tamil Youths
By Ravichandran D.J Paul
KUALA LUMPUR, July 6, 2009 (Bernama) -- Koperasi Nesa Pelbagai Berhad recently honoured three Indians for their social conscience that not only benefited the Indians but also the Malaysian society at large.
The three are from different backgrounds, one an accomplished academician, the other a lawyer and the third a cooperative founder but altruism and compassion had set them on the same path.
They all strived for the betterment of the Indian community by empowering the youths, through education or other avenues.
The three are former Universiti Malaya (UM) academician Datuk Dr M.Thambirajah, lawyer Pasupathy Sithamparam and cooperative chairman Masilamani Ramasamy.
A HUMBLE BEGININING FOR DR THAMBIRAJAH
Born in Penang, Dr Thambirajah started from humble beginnings as a Kirkby trained teacher with his early postings at the Ibrahim Secondary School in Sungai Petani and the Sultan Badlishah Secondary school in Kulim, both in Kedah.
As a teacher, Dr Thambirajah was deeply convinced that education is the foundation for social mobility. He continued with his studies and earned a series of degrees up to PhD and joined UM as an academician.
Those in the secondary school in the early 1980s will remember the history textbook "Malaysia Dalam Sejarah" that he authored, the first from the local perspective. He later went on to read law.
But Dr Tambirajah's defining achievement is the Sri Murugan Tuition Centre (SMC) that he set up to help Indian students. It is a noble undertaking that he started with the assistance of fellow academicians and 48 undergraduates, all members of UM's Tamil Language Society
SMC's initial focus was to prepare students for the STPM examinations to ensure that there were sufficient number of qualified Indian students to enter local varsities.
Now after 26 years, SMC has widened its outreach to students in every public examination starting from UPSR up to STPM and thousands of students have successfully made their way into public higher institutions of learning through SMC.
SMC conducts weekly classes at more than 200 centers nationwide during weekends throughout the year. SMC derives its strength from a dedicated team of volunteers and teachers who guide the students.
PASUPATHY THE GUIDING LIGHT
Pasupathy Sithamparam, born in Batu Arang, received his early education in Batu Arang Tamil School. He furthered his studies in chemical engineering at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia under a Public Services Department scholarship.
Upon graduating in 1983 he started working with the income tax department and in 1987 set off to UK to study law.
Coming from a poor family, he was well aware of the difficulties faced by youths from poor background and thus helping others has become an innate character of Pasupathy.
Pasupathy has learned how an empowering environment can make the difference. He recalls how his parents, teachers and those he knew helped to transform his life for the better.
"Poverty can make you a criminal or a successful person depending the environment that you are in. I was in the empowering environment," he said.
He has been instrumental in drawing attention of the community, social institutions and the government to critical issues faced by the community.
He is committed in improving the standards of Indian students in primary schools and is the president of the Education, Welfare and Research Foundation (EWRF), an organisation that promotes education and the mother tongue through various programmes.
Pasupathy is also one of the trustees for the World Tamil Relief Fund that assists and provides support for the Tamil community all over the world in times of calamities or war.
MASILAMANI'S RISE TO THE CHALLENGE
Born in Dublin Estate in Kulim, Masilamani Ramasamy earned a degree in economics and statistics at UM.
Since his undergraduate days he was concerned over the problems faced by Indian youths and started playing a pro-active role in engaging with the disfranchised segment of the society.
In the early 1970s, as the president of UM's Tamil Language Society, he mobilised Indian undergraduates to participate in the student service corps in estates and rural schools.
The programme exposed undergraduates to the harsh life of the estate workers and the socio-economic woes that they faced. The programme also instilled the spirit of volunteerism among undergraduates to help their unfortunate counterpart.
As youths were central to Masilamani's endeavour, he founded the Koperasi Belia Maju Jaya to generate opportunities for the youths to better themselves.
He also founded the Malaysian Silambam Association to encourage the Indian martial arts sport among youths.
Masilamani is still the chairman of the cooperative that he started to help youths.
Dr Thambirajah, Pasupathy and Masilamani endured with fortitude the odds in their quest to help those marginalised and they will definitely inspire other Malaysians on what it takes to be an altruist.
(BERNAMA)
KUALA LUMPUR, July 6, 2009 (Bernama) -- Koperasi Nesa Pelbagai Berhad recently honoured three Indians for their social conscience that not only benefited the Indians but also the Malaysian society at large.
The three are from different backgrounds, one an accomplished academician, the other a lawyer and the third a cooperative founder but altruism and compassion had set them on the same path.
They all strived for the betterment of the Indian community by empowering the youths, through education or other avenues.
The three are former Universiti Malaya (UM) academician Datuk Dr M.Thambirajah, lawyer Pasupathy Sithamparam and cooperative chairman Masilamani Ramasamy.
A HUMBLE BEGININING FOR DR THAMBIRAJAH
Born in Penang, Dr Thambirajah started from humble beginnings as a Kirkby trained teacher with his early postings at the Ibrahim Secondary School in Sungai Petani and the Sultan Badlishah Secondary school in Kulim, both in Kedah.
As a teacher, Dr Thambirajah was deeply convinced that education is the foundation for social mobility. He continued with his studies and earned a series of degrees up to PhD and joined UM as an academician.
Those in the secondary school in the early 1980s will remember the history textbook "Malaysia Dalam Sejarah" that he authored, the first from the local perspective. He later went on to read law.
But Dr Tambirajah's defining achievement is the Sri Murugan Tuition Centre (SMC) that he set up to help Indian students. It is a noble undertaking that he started with the assistance of fellow academicians and 48 undergraduates, all members of UM's Tamil Language Society
SMC's initial focus was to prepare students for the STPM examinations to ensure that there were sufficient number of qualified Indian students to enter local varsities.
Now after 26 years, SMC has widened its outreach to students in every public examination starting from UPSR up to STPM and thousands of students have successfully made their way into public higher institutions of learning through SMC.
SMC conducts weekly classes at more than 200 centers nationwide during weekends throughout the year. SMC derives its strength from a dedicated team of volunteers and teachers who guide the students.
PASUPATHY THE GUIDING LIGHT
Pasupathy Sithamparam, born in Batu Arang, received his early education in Batu Arang Tamil School. He furthered his studies in chemical engineering at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia under a Public Services Department scholarship.
Upon graduating in 1983 he started working with the income tax department and in 1987 set off to UK to study law.
Coming from a poor family, he was well aware of the difficulties faced by youths from poor background and thus helping others has become an innate character of Pasupathy.
Pasupathy has learned how an empowering environment can make the difference. He recalls how his parents, teachers and those he knew helped to transform his life for the better.
"Poverty can make you a criminal or a successful person depending the environment that you are in. I was in the empowering environment," he said.
He has been instrumental in drawing attention of the community, social institutions and the government to critical issues faced by the community.
He is committed in improving the standards of Indian students in primary schools and is the president of the Education, Welfare and Research Foundation (EWRF), an organisation that promotes education and the mother tongue through various programmes.
Pasupathy is also one of the trustees for the World Tamil Relief Fund that assists and provides support for the Tamil community all over the world in times of calamities or war.
MASILAMANI'S RISE TO THE CHALLENGE
Born in Dublin Estate in Kulim, Masilamani Ramasamy earned a degree in economics and statistics at UM.
Since his undergraduate days he was concerned over the problems faced by Indian youths and started playing a pro-active role in engaging with the disfranchised segment of the society.
In the early 1970s, as the president of UM's Tamil Language Society, he mobilised Indian undergraduates to participate in the student service corps in estates and rural schools.
The programme exposed undergraduates to the harsh life of the estate workers and the socio-economic woes that they faced. The programme also instilled the spirit of volunteerism among undergraduates to help their unfortunate counterpart.
As youths were central to Masilamani's endeavour, he founded the Koperasi Belia Maju Jaya to generate opportunities for the youths to better themselves.
He also founded the Malaysian Silambam Association to encourage the Indian martial arts sport among youths.
Masilamani is still the chairman of the cooperative that he started to help youths.
Dr Thambirajah, Pasupathy and Masilamani endured with fortitude the odds in their quest to help those marginalised and they will definitely inspire other Malaysians on what it takes to be an altruist.
(BERNAMA)
Friday, July 03, 2009
Wooing the Indian Malaysian vote
By Deborah Loh
(deborahloh@thenutgraph.com)
ON 25 Nov 2007, the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) burst into public consciousness through a mammoth street rally. Few doubt that Hindraf was pivotal in swinging Indian Malaysian votes away from the Barisan Nasional (BN) three months later in the March 2008 general election.
On 2 July 2009, Malaysiakini reported that Hindraf has submitted an application to the Registrar of Societies to found a new party known as Parti Hak Asasi Manusia (Paham).
But apart from Hindraf, the emergence of other Indian Malaysian political parties is a trend that warrants attention. All claim to want to represent and improve the lot of Indian Malaysians. What does this say about the community itself? And what impact do these divisions have on BN and the Pakatan Rakyat (PR)?
A few months before Hindraf, there was the Malaysian Indians United Party (MIUP) started by Datuk KS Nallakaruppan, a former Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) stalwart and close friend of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
This year saw the birth of Hindraf splinter group, the Malaysian Makkal Sakthi Party (MMSP), and the Malaysian Indian Democratic Action Front (Mindraf) founded by former journalist Manuel Lopez.
And in PAS, the party's supporters club has seen the Indian Malaysian faction, which outnumbers Chinese Malaysian members, demand that the club be split according to racial lines.
Developments in the community's political scene will shape the battle for Indian Malaysian votes in the 13th general election due in 2013. Already, there are early and subtle signs that the ground is shifting.
Moving quickly
Consider a few things which have happened since 3 April 2009, when Datuk Seri Najib Razak became prime minister.
The Tamil press play up criticisms of the PR by Hindraf leaders, though the organisation is banned. In Penang, Hindraf is butting heads with the DAP-led state government on behalf of Kampung Buah Pala residents whose land is to become the site of a luxury housing project.
About two weeks after Najib took office, former Hindraf national coordinator RS Thanenthiran met with the premier to talk about the Indian Malaysian community's grievances. By this time, two Hindraf leaders had already been released from Internal Security Act detention in one of Najib's first moves as premier. Three other leaders would later be released on 9 May.
Thanenthiran confirms with The Nut Graph that he met Najib, remarking that his predecessor, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, did not once entertain Hindraf's requests for a meeting or acknowledge their memorandums. A month after the meeting with Najib, Thanenthiran launched MMSP.
On the ground, BN has not wasted time wooing the community, according to reports in the Tamil press.
Take the Cameron Highlands constituency, for example. Its Member of Parliament Datuk SK Devamany says, in a phone interview, that since April, two Tamil schools have received RM500,000 and RM700,000 each. Indian Malaysians have also been promoted to head a primary school there, and the local Drainage and Irrigation Department.
Indian Malaysian sentiment towards the BN government also appears to be on the uptrend although it is still early days in Najib's administration.
In the Merdeka Center for Opinion Research's 2008 fourth quarter poll on Peninsula Malaysia sentiment, 56% of Indian Malaysians surveyed disagreed when asked if Najib would make a good prime minister.
In another poll in May 2009, the first survey since Najib became prime minister, 64% of Indian Malaysians said they were satisfied when asked about his performance as premier.
Divide and conquer?
Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria, the former executive director of MIC's Yayasan Strategik Sosial, says the emergence of different Indian Malaysian political parties indicates that the community still feels sidelined from the mainstream economy. This discontent gives room to individuals with the means and backing to start new parties.
Another cause is the lack of grassroots leaders who can identify with the rural and plantation communities in a way that western-trained leaders like PKR vice-president R Sivarasa or the DAP's Charles Santiago cannot. Denison says these leaders are not seen as representatives of the Tamil grassroots, and believes this played a part in allowing Hindraf, and parties like MMSP to rise.
Najib's tacit acceptance of MMSP by meeting them indicates his seriousness about winning back the non-Malay Malaysian vote. Denison observes that Najib knows BN cannot afford to be over-protective of MIC, which is embroiled in infighting and is no longer able to defend its position as the main representative of Indian Malaysians.
And while things appear quiet with MIUP and Mindraf, Najib only needs to engage the most attractive alternative to the illegal Hindraf.
As such, the speed at which MMSP's registration was approved in May, three months after its application, gave rise to talk that the fledging party had the BN's backing and funding.
Thanenthiran denies this and when asked again, said: "It is not important whether we support BN or PR but that we work with the party that is doing things to help the Indian [Malaysian] community."
He claims that MMSP, which has over 30,000 members now, is self-funding.
The party has been given further legitimacy by BN, even though it is not part of the coalition, through a campaign launched in early June to find stateless Indian Malaysians—- those without birth certificates or MyKads. MMSP is tracking these cases through announcements in the Tamil press and through its grassroots network, and is forwarding the individuals' details for the National Registration Department's further action.
Structural change
The political divisions among Indian Malaysians may be beneficial to BN, but problematic for PR which is still learning the ropes of state administration and coalition politics.
Petaling Jaya City councilor A Thiruvenggadam, who is from PKR, feels that PR could be doing more to fill the void by introducing faster changes in certain policies.
He says the PR-led Selangor government still has not dismantled past BN policies on the procurement and awarding of contracts, which, he says, still favour Malay Malaysians. He has also angered his party leaders for going public with claims of political interference in certain council dealings, and knows he is likely to be dropped when the state government announces councilors for the new term in July.
"The Selangor PR government is still adopting all the BN policies of the past to favour one community. We are seeing BN giving aid to Tamil schools and temples but PR is doing nothing to change such policies. Indian [Malaysian] support for PR will reduce if PR doesn't correct this," he warns in an interview.
BN, being in federal power, has the resources to court the community. But structural change is also underway, promises Devamany, who is Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department and whose portfolio includes policies on Indian Malaysian community issues for the Economic Planning Unit.
"The government is aware that piecemeal handouts to Tamil schools and temples are insufficient," he tells The Nut Graph.
Changes in education, civil service recruitment, poverty eradication, housing, and wages, among other areas, must take place with the results documented to give visibility to the government's efforts.
Devamany, who sits on the cabinet's sub-committee on Indian Malaysian affairs, says this must be done because people still believe "the government doesn't help non-Malays".
Personality vs community
Denison notes that the history of Indian Malaysian political parties has been fraught with splits and the formation of new parties. MIC has faced competition for Indian Malaysian membership even from parties in the BN fold or those friendly to BN, such as the People's Progressive Party, Gerakan, the Indian Progressive Front, and the Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress (Kimma).
"It can be taken as a sign that the Indian [Malaysian] community is most active politically. They are in every party, whether pro-BN or pro-PR. Their common problem, however, is that these parties tend to be personality-based which explains the splits and emergence of new parties," he notes.
Denison believes that Indian Malaysian parties have to change from being personality-driven to community based.
"The truth it, Indian political activism in Malaysia has not thrived unless there are other races to help it," he says, noting that just as MIC cannot go it alone without the rest of the BN coalition, PKR too, needs a multiracial platform to survive.
"I don't think Indian [Malaysian] unity is necessarily the way forward," he says.
But who eventually wins over the Indian Malaysian vote in the coming elections is still left to be seen
(Source: thenutgraph- 3 Jul 09 : 8.00AM)
(deborahloh@thenutgraph.com)
ON 25 Nov 2007, the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) burst into public consciousness through a mammoth street rally. Few doubt that Hindraf was pivotal in swinging Indian Malaysian votes away from the Barisan Nasional (BN) three months later in the March 2008 general election.
On 2 July 2009, Malaysiakini reported that Hindraf has submitted an application to the Registrar of Societies to found a new party known as Parti Hak Asasi Manusia (Paham).
But apart from Hindraf, the emergence of other Indian Malaysian political parties is a trend that warrants attention. All claim to want to represent and improve the lot of Indian Malaysians. What does this say about the community itself? And what impact do these divisions have on BN and the Pakatan Rakyat (PR)?
A few months before Hindraf, there was the Malaysian Indians United Party (MIUP) started by Datuk KS Nallakaruppan, a former Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) stalwart and close friend of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
This year saw the birth of Hindraf splinter group, the Malaysian Makkal Sakthi Party (MMSP), and the Malaysian Indian Democratic Action Front (Mindraf) founded by former journalist Manuel Lopez.
And in PAS, the party's supporters club has seen the Indian Malaysian faction, which outnumbers Chinese Malaysian members, demand that the club be split according to racial lines.
Developments in the community's political scene will shape the battle for Indian Malaysian votes in the 13th general election due in 2013. Already, there are early and subtle signs that the ground is shifting.
Moving quickly
Consider a few things which have happened since 3 April 2009, when Datuk Seri Najib Razak became prime minister.
The Tamil press play up criticisms of the PR by Hindraf leaders, though the organisation is banned. In Penang, Hindraf is butting heads with the DAP-led state government on behalf of Kampung Buah Pala residents whose land is to become the site of a luxury housing project.
About two weeks after Najib took office, former Hindraf national coordinator RS Thanenthiran met with the premier to talk about the Indian Malaysian community's grievances. By this time, two Hindraf leaders had already been released from Internal Security Act detention in one of Najib's first moves as premier. Three other leaders would later be released on 9 May.
Thanenthiran confirms with The Nut Graph that he met Najib, remarking that his predecessor, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, did not once entertain Hindraf's requests for a meeting or acknowledge their memorandums. A month after the meeting with Najib, Thanenthiran launched MMSP.
On the ground, BN has not wasted time wooing the community, according to reports in the Tamil press.
Take the Cameron Highlands constituency, for example. Its Member of Parliament Datuk SK Devamany says, in a phone interview, that since April, two Tamil schools have received RM500,000 and RM700,000 each. Indian Malaysians have also been promoted to head a primary school there, and the local Drainage and Irrigation Department.
Indian Malaysian sentiment towards the BN government also appears to be on the uptrend although it is still early days in Najib's administration.
In the Merdeka Center for Opinion Research's 2008 fourth quarter poll on Peninsula Malaysia sentiment, 56% of Indian Malaysians surveyed disagreed when asked if Najib would make a good prime minister.
In another poll in May 2009, the first survey since Najib became prime minister, 64% of Indian Malaysians said they were satisfied when asked about his performance as premier.
Divide and conquer?
Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria, the former executive director of MIC's Yayasan Strategik Sosial, says the emergence of different Indian Malaysian political parties indicates that the community still feels sidelined from the mainstream economy. This discontent gives room to individuals with the means and backing to start new parties.
Another cause is the lack of grassroots leaders who can identify with the rural and plantation communities in a way that western-trained leaders like PKR vice-president R Sivarasa or the DAP's Charles Santiago cannot. Denison says these leaders are not seen as representatives of the Tamil grassroots, and believes this played a part in allowing Hindraf, and parties like MMSP to rise.
Najib's tacit acceptance of MMSP by meeting them indicates his seriousness about winning back the non-Malay Malaysian vote. Denison observes that Najib knows BN cannot afford to be over-protective of MIC, which is embroiled in infighting and is no longer able to defend its position as the main representative of Indian Malaysians.
And while things appear quiet with MIUP and Mindraf, Najib only needs to engage the most attractive alternative to the illegal Hindraf.
As such, the speed at which MMSP's registration was approved in May, three months after its application, gave rise to talk that the fledging party had the BN's backing and funding.
Thanenthiran denies this and when asked again, said: "It is not important whether we support BN or PR but that we work with the party that is doing things to help the Indian [Malaysian] community."
He claims that MMSP, which has over 30,000 members now, is self-funding.
The party has been given further legitimacy by BN, even though it is not part of the coalition, through a campaign launched in early June to find stateless Indian Malaysians—- those without birth certificates or MyKads. MMSP is tracking these cases through announcements in the Tamil press and through its grassroots network, and is forwarding the individuals' details for the National Registration Department's further action.
Structural change
The political divisions among Indian Malaysians may be beneficial to BN, but problematic for PR which is still learning the ropes of state administration and coalition politics.
Petaling Jaya City councilor A Thiruvenggadam, who is from PKR, feels that PR could be doing more to fill the void by introducing faster changes in certain policies.
He says the PR-led Selangor government still has not dismantled past BN policies on the procurement and awarding of contracts, which, he says, still favour Malay Malaysians. He has also angered his party leaders for going public with claims of political interference in certain council dealings, and knows he is likely to be dropped when the state government announces councilors for the new term in July.
"The Selangor PR government is still adopting all the BN policies of the past to favour one community. We are seeing BN giving aid to Tamil schools and temples but PR is doing nothing to change such policies. Indian [Malaysian] support for PR will reduce if PR doesn't correct this," he warns in an interview.
BN, being in federal power, has the resources to court the community. But structural change is also underway, promises Devamany, who is Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department and whose portfolio includes policies on Indian Malaysian community issues for the Economic Planning Unit.
"The government is aware that piecemeal handouts to Tamil schools and temples are insufficient," he tells The Nut Graph.
Changes in education, civil service recruitment, poverty eradication, housing, and wages, among other areas, must take place with the results documented to give visibility to the government's efforts.
Devamany, who sits on the cabinet's sub-committee on Indian Malaysian affairs, says this must be done because people still believe "the government doesn't help non-Malays".
Personality vs community
Denison notes that the history of Indian Malaysian political parties has been fraught with splits and the formation of new parties. MIC has faced competition for Indian Malaysian membership even from parties in the BN fold or those friendly to BN, such as the People's Progressive Party, Gerakan, the Indian Progressive Front, and the Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress (Kimma).
"It can be taken as a sign that the Indian [Malaysian] community is most active politically. They are in every party, whether pro-BN or pro-PR. Their common problem, however, is that these parties tend to be personality-based which explains the splits and emergence of new parties," he notes.
Denison believes that Indian Malaysian parties have to change from being personality-driven to community based.
"The truth it, Indian political activism in Malaysia has not thrived unless there are other races to help it," he says, noting that just as MIC cannot go it alone without the rest of the BN coalition, PKR too, needs a multiracial platform to survive.
"I don't think Indian [Malaysian] unity is necessarily the way forward," he says.
But who eventually wins over the Indian Malaysian vote in the coming elections is still left to be seen
(Source: thenutgraph- 3 Jul 09 : 8.00AM)
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
SCHOLARSHIP: 'Good move that should be conducted with transparency'
by Joseph Kaos Jr
(Malay Mail Monday, June 29th, 2009)
JAYASOORIA: Selection processes must be made transparent
THE new National Scholarship, to be based on merit, will ensure that only deserving students and those with potential will benefit.
“It is definitely welcome to see that the government is recognising merit,” said Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia principal research fellow of the ethnic studies institute Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak made the announcement during his speech at an MCA dinner last Saturday at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre last Saturday.
Jayasooria hoped that the Prime Minister would give more details on the new scholarship scheme that would be in addition to the already existing scholarship under the Public Service Department.
“It’s still a bit confusing,” said Jayasooria. “I hope it can be made more transparent on who is eligible for the National Scholarship scheme and who is eligible for the already existing scheme.”
Jayasooria, a Malaysian Human Rights Commission member, was part of a parliamentary roundtable meeting comprising Opposition Members of Parliament, academicians, and former PSD scholars last month.
During the meeting, the group highlighted the need to revamp the scholarship system to address recurring problems that the present scholarship scheme was causing.
He said it was important to have an independent panel for the selection and shortlisting of scholarship recipients.
“The system must be such that students who obtain excellent results are assured that they will be awarded scholarships.”
Asked who should be in the selection panel, Jayasooria proposed that the government nominate accomplished personalities who have the trust and confidence of the public.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
