New Indian blueprint is different, says NGO

The Educational, Welfare and Research Foundation (EWRF) disagrees with suggestions that that the recently launched Malaysian Indian Blueprint should be compared with similar initiatives in the past.

EWRF chairperson SP Nathan said the blueprint was an official acknowledgement by the government of the problems and challenges faced by the Indian community, something that had never occurred before.

"Input for the blueprint has been sought from all layers of the community; therefore the stakeholders had their voices heard and their concerns are there in the document," said Nathan.

He pointed out that remedial action for many of the challenges had commenced since 2009, through the establishment of various units such as the Special Implementation Task Force for the Indian Community (SITF), among others.

"This is a work in progress and their achievement thus far is for all to see, although it might not meet all expectations."

Nathan also cited the increasing number of Tamil schools and the increased intake of Indian students in public higher learning institutions as examples of progress.

"All these have happened due to the efforts of the civil society and the political class. The trust deficit between these groups, which was wide before, has narrowed and the co-operation has to continue."

Challenges ahead

However, Nathan noted that the success of the initiative would depend on the capability of individuals involved in its implementation.

"The challenge from the entrenched bureaucracy will be there and thus tenacity will be needed to get the intended results."

As such, Nathan believes that the appointment of a "fair-minded, focused, intelligent and articulate" leader of the community to head the executive committee to oversee the implementation of the plan has shown the will of the government to ensure the success of the initiative.

Nathan said MIC president Dr S Subramaniam had proven how he is a leader who does not give in to impulsive actions, measures his speech well, firm when necessary and has the respect of those in the government.

"He will face challenges, no doubt, not only from the bureaucracy but also from his own party members and community. The Indians are known to be vociferous, demanding and emotional.

"And this is where an emphatic and yet firm leader is required and Subramaniam is the right and ideal person for the job," he added.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak at the launch of the Malaysian Indian Blueprint approved millions of ringgit in allocations to assist the country's ethnic Indians.

Najib went on to deny that it was all an "act" for the coming general election, and stressed that it was instead a "serious effort".

The allocations include RM40 million for higher education assistance, RM500 million to set up a revolving fund to provide loans to ethnic Indian entrepreneurs and RM500 million under Permodalan Nasional Bhd targeting the bottom 40 percent income group (B40) of the Indian community.- Mkini