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Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe to poobalan.com by Email MIBA said they were quite vocal during the meeting between indian NGOs and PM post-Hindraf rally. Now, they are supporting PKR’s manifesto. That means will end up on the bad books of the govt. » Read more: MIBA supports PKR manifesto
| Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe to poobalan.com by Email This is easier said that done. Some may claim why limit to one out of 10 grants. Others will claim that MARA (and its programs) is specifically for Malays, and other channels exists for the second class citizens. Then, if ever this proposal succeeds, how to ensure that the right candidate is given, instead of one who greases few palms along the way or is a crony of some leaders.
| Include Indians for entrepreneur grants |
| P Sivakumar | Jan 18, 08 2:24pm |
| The Malaysian Indian Business Association (Miba) would like to urge the Yayasan Strategik Sosial (YSS) – the social welfare arm of the MIC – to request the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative Ministry to include Indians in its drive to increase entrepreneurs through Giat Mara (a Mara non-profit subsidiary which provides technical and vocational training skills).
Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said on Monday that the government had identified Pahang, Kelantan, Penang, Perak and Kedah as beneficiaries to for a RM10 million allocation aimed at creating at least 200 small-scale bumiputera entrepreneurs. The grants are for between RM30,000 and RM35,000. YSS has been championing the cause of Indian youths under the Giat Mara scheme for some time. Miba is aware that a special allocation for Indians from the National Entrepreneurship Institute through the YSS to provide half-day seminars on Entrepreneur Development Programmes (EDP) is underway. However, these seminars will only impart an introduction to business knowledge. The real help needed for Indians to gain and progress in business can only be met with a practical approach by grants being extended to Indians not unlike the ones being offered to bumiputeras. Indian Malaysians have recently expressed great frustration and have urged the government to treat them equally in every respect. They want to be included in government initiations for economic progress. In line with this, Miba urges YSS and MIC to appeal to the minister to give Indians at least one grant for every 10 extended to bumiputeras. This will help the Indians to catch up with the other races besides being fair play. Why not? Aren’t the Indians paying taxes and fines? The writer is president, Miba. |
| Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe to poobalan.com by Email | Silver lining of Hindraf rally |
| RK Anand | Jan 7, 08 3:45pm |
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On Nov 25 last year, some 30,000 people reportedly flooded the streets in Kuala Lumpur to participate in a rally. In a knee-jerk response, government leaders called it an act of extremism, arguing that all is well with the Indian community and hence there was no other motive, except for a sinister one, for such a rally. Scores were arrested, while five Hindraf leaders, four of whom lawyers, are being held under the Internal Security Act (ISA). The five were accused of having links with terrorist groups, a charge they have vehemently denied. However, as the days passed, there seemed to be an official recognition of the problems faced by the Indian community. Suddenly, all was not well after all. Even MIC and its leaders acquiesced, carefully pointing out the leaks that needed to be plugged. Positive side "This is the positive side of the Hindraf rally," argued Malaysian Indian Business Association (Miba) president P Sivakumar. "These professionals, who could have led comfortable lives, were forced to shoulder this issue because the groups tasked with helping the Indians failed miserably. They have sacrificed their freedom for this," he added. On the momentum of change stoked by Hindraf, Sivakumar said since the Nov 25 rally, there have been some positive developments. The most notable, he pointed out, is that it has united the Indian community. Apart from this, he said numerous meetings and assurances followed. "For example, the special meeting between Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Indian non-governmental organisations on Dec 14," added Sivakumar, who was present at the meeting. He said MIC and its president S Samy Vellu, who have come under intense pressure, are now forced to act for the betterment of the Indian community. "Not to forget Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo meeting with Hindu groups over the issue of temple demolitions and the prime minister also giving an assurance concerning this. "The premier, in his winding up speech during the special meeting, also acknowledged that help was not trickling down and promised to look into improving the delivery system. "After three generations of Indian Malaysian parents selling off their assets to educate their children, there is now hope of more educational grants and loans coming forth. "There is also hope that all races in Malaysia will one day be treated equally. Why did all of these happen? Because of the Hindraf rally," he noted. 'New champions' "But where would these new champions be if not for the rally?" he asked. In view of this, Sivakumar urged all parties, including the media, to stop using the word extremism to describe the rally. "This is an unkind term which should not be used," he said, calling the rally a "just cause" born out of "bottled-up frustration". "The rally, which was meant to be peaceful, was an eye opener, it got everybody talking. It even captured the world's attention," he added. Critics have lambasted Hindraf and its leaders for making claims, which they said, bordered on extremism and could lead to racial tensions. Chief among these are the claims that the government has marginalised the Indian community and subjected them to ethnic cleansing. 'No evidence' The veteran politician said this when asked if the government has evidence to back the accusation. Below is an excerpt from the Jan 2 interview. NDTV: Do you have any evidence to back your government's charge that Hindraf has links with terrorists? Samy Vellu: Hindraf said they would fight like the Tigers (LTTE), the way the Tigers are fighting in Sri Lanka. It was by (Hindraf chairperson) P Waythamoorthy. After he talked like that, we did an investigation and it was felt that he may have gone there for training. NDTV: Do you have evidence of this? Samy Vellu: No. It is our suspicion. |
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Compiled by ROYCE CHEAH, ELIZABETH LOOI, BEH YUEN HUI AND A. RAMAN
INDIANS should change their current mindset of working for people and instead get involved in businesses, reported Tamil Nesan.
Penang state executive councillor and state deputy MIC chief Datuk P.K.Subbayah told a one-day business seminar for entrepreneurs that businessmen could be successful if they have the skills and a positive attitude.
Some 100 businessmen attended the seminar which was jointly organised by the Indian Business Association (Miba) and the state government.
“Indians should not concentrate on traditional businesses but should venture instead into other trades that are being monopolised by other races.”
The newspaper also reported that the government had been fair in extending aid to the poor with no particular race in the country being given any special preferences, reported Tamil Nesan.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Datuk Mah Siew Keong said this when giving away hampers to 30 poor families at a function in Teluk Intan Municipal council.
He said the government has allocated such funds to help the poor and single mothers in every constituency nationwide.
| Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe to poobalan.com by Email He asked why the government cannot offer discounts to poor Indians and Chinese to purchase better houses.
"Why should they be left with the low-cost houses option? This will just lead to the creation of urban slums. They should also be given the opportunity to enjoy better housing," he added.
Yeah, why not?
| Indian woes: Look at the BIG picture |
| RK Anand | Dec 21, 07 5:17pm |
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The problems afflicting the Indian community in Malaysia extend beyond government handouts, said Malaysian Indian Business Association (Miba) president P Sivakumar today. In order to view the big picture, he called on concerned groups, including MIC, to discard their conventional myopic ways. The Johor-based businessman stressed on the importance of a reform in mindset and approach to tackle the community's woes. "For decades, they have been talking about the same issues like estates, Tamil schools and temples. No doubt these are important, but the problem now is greater. "What is confronting the community today are issues of national identity and equal opportunities in both the public and private sector as well as education," he told Malaysiakini. After 50 years of independence, Sivakumar said Indians are deeply concerned about their future and that of their children's in this country. "This is the real issues that need to be addressed. We cannot run away from them. The community is also concerned about its rights as enshrined in the federal constitution. "This is a painful and tearful situation. Those with wealth, who are the minority, can afford to migrate, but what about the rest?" he said, adding, "I have been working with the community for 25 years and I have read their 'pulse'." "It is these concerns that are being expressed. The community is not indulging in racism, communalism or extremism, they are merely expressing their sentiments and frustrations." Elections – a test for BN In the past, Indians have been true-blue supporters of the ruling coalition but recent events, namely the emergence of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) and allegations of marginalisation and persecution, indicate the possibility of a swing in votes. Meanwhile, Sivakumar said the Indian community is not questioning the special privileges accorded to the bumiputera. "These privileges were agreed to in the social contract in 1970 when the New Economic Policy (NEP) was formulated, agreed to and supported by all the races. "This is not being disputed by anyone," added the 50-year-old entrepreneur who was one of those who met with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi recently to discuss the problems faced by the Indians. The issue of contention, according to Sivakumar, is the 'abuse' of the NEP. "This has given rise to dissent and dissatisfaction. It is the lack of aid extended to the poor of other races. The poor are being neglected," he said. He asked why the government cannot offer discounts to poor Indians and Chinese to purchase better houses. "Why should they be left with the low-cost houses option? This will just lead to the creation of urban slums. They should also be given the opportunity to enjoy better housing," he added. He reasoned that education and business are two key areas which can help propel the community towards a better future. "So, it is vital that the government assist Indians in these areas." Furthermore, he said with the increase in the cost of living, the Indians must receive their fair share of help from the government to ensure that they can lead quality lives. "These are the issues that MIC should be pushing for instead of mentioning the same old things again and again," he added. However, he commended MIC president S Samy Vellu over his recent comments, which Sivakumar described as a "departure from the norm." "Samy Vellu made some critical observations, such as agreeing on the need for more Indians in the civil service and that the public delivery system must be improved and stressing on the need for a Malaysian identity," he said. Sivakumar also commented on a news report today which quoted Johor MIC chief K S Balakrishnan as saying that the state never marginalised Indians. Among others, the state MIC leader said the state granted RM9 million over the past years for the modernisation and development of Tamil schools while RM2 million was allocated last year to build new Tamil schools, renovate classrooms and buy equipment. "I have to agree with this," said Sivakumar. "Johor Menteri Besar Abdul Ghani Othman has a track record of being fair to all races. He was also generous enough to extend a privatisation project to the community, but this was later withdrawn. "Maybe Johor MIC can explain why it was withdrawn," he said, without elaborating. |
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The massive turnout caught everybody by surprise, including the organiser – Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf). 
"This must be acknowledged. It is because of the five individuals locked up under ISA that so many things are moving now," he told Malaysiakini today. 
Sivakumar also pointed out that the rally gave rise to 'new champions' of the Indian community and some of them are branding the rally as a form of extremism. 
In a related development, Samy Vellu told Indian television station NDTV that the Hindraf five are held under ISA on 'suspicion' of having terrorist links, namely with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). 