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MIBA’s Sivakumar offers more views

December 21st, 2007
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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
Source

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

Sivakumar also warned that the coming general election will be a litmus test for the ruling Barisan Nasional government in terms of Indian votes.

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.

Samy 'departs from the norm'

"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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samy vellu to fight on

December 21st, 2007
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Samy Vellu Vows To Fight On For Indian Community

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By S. Retna

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 21 (Bernama) — "I will continue to fight for the betterment of the (Indian) community. The question of the MIC (Malaysian Indian Congress) being dented from recent incidents does not arise," said Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, the MIC supremo.

Referring to recent street protests by some members of the Indian community and those from the so-called Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf), he said the MIC's spirit and strength had not been weakened by those incidents.

"I have always stood by the MIC and will continue to stand by the party. I will continue to fight for the community to ensure that Indians in the country continue to rise socially and economically," he told Bernama in an interview.

But the MIC president, who has led the largest Indian-based political party in the country for the last 28 years, reminded the Indian community that Malaysia is a multiracial country and that the nation's wealth must be shared in a reasonable manner.

"This is important. We cannot get whatever we have asked for and the same applies to the other races. The sharing of the country's economic wealth must be addressed in a reasonable manner," he said in a frank interview which covered a wide range of subjects involving the Indian community.

Touching on Hindraf, Samy Vellu, who is Works Minister, said that when the group initially censured the government, it did not ask for anything for Malaysian Indians but was more inclined to criticise the authorities and in particular, Umno, the main partner in the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition.

"But they failed to realise that fighting Umno is equivalent to fighting the Malays, who are the majority in the country. This is not the approach to make changes for the (Indian) community. We have always worked with the government, which is backed by Umno, to bring changes to the (Indian) community," he said.

Hindraf, on Nov 25, held a rally in Kuala Lumpur claiming that the government had failed to help the Indians over the last 50 years.

Five Hindraf leaders are now held under the Internal Security Act at the Kamunting detention centre for being a threat to national security.

Samy Vellu, who is often noted for his outspoken nature, said although Hindraf did not discredit the MIC or its leadership, the MIC could not stand and watch "any attack on Umno".

"I know the weaknesses in the implementation and delivery system at several stages of the government. In spite of this, I have continued to raise issues concerning the Malaysian Indian community.

"Being a minister, I'm privileged to have this information and whatever we discuss at the Cabinet is classified. As such, I'm unable to divulge certain information to the public, espicially to the community.

"I have openly made constructive criticism of the government's recruitment and promotion of Indians in the public sector. I have also brought to the attention of the Cabinet the sufferings of estate workers, who are now enjoying a fixed monthly salary…we in the MIC have raised various matters to the government as we represent 1.8 million Indians in the country," he said.

Speaking on Hindu temples, the minister said MIC had always been a "shield" for these temples although some of these places of worship were built illegally.

"As for the Kampung Jawa temple (which was demolished by the authorities in October because it was built on private land after the land owner obtained a court ruling), we did our best and even the prime minister did his best but the court order stood in our way. I have personally handled thousands of temples," he said. For the record, there are more than 25,000 Hindu temples nationwide.

"I did this because I'm a staunch Hindu but I'm not a Hindu extremist. I know for a fact that extremism can never achieve anything," Samy Vellu stressed.

The MIC president also said that he had been constantly "fighting" with the government to get what Malaysian Indians were entitled to and that he had records to prove this.

"On Tamil schools, I have looked after these schools because I myself am a son of a rubber tapper, who had lived in estates and I was one of the first to go to a Tamil school…Tamil is my language…my mother tongue.

"Now elements who do not know about Tamil schools and their problems are making blind accusations that the MIC did not protect these schools. The government and the prime minister gave RM1 million to temples annually.

"Some quarters have asked for the acounts of this money. I only make recommendations to the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) (under the Prime Minister's Department) on the allocations needed and it channels the funds directly.

"Some ignorant people have been asking what has happened to the money. My question is, "What money? Who gave what money to the MIC?", he said.

On the economic front, Samy Vellu said the MIC, through its economic bureau, had created some 50,000 active Indian businessmen, from small to big. He said these businessmen had also asked the government to allow them to bring in workers from India. This matter was raised by him in the Cabinet and approval was given to bring in 40,000 Indian workers.

Following the MIC's request, the government also allocated some RM40 million for micro-credit schemes and this scheme too had been successful.

"However we face problems of repayment of these loans. Despite that, the MIC through Nijhar (Tan Sri K.S. Nijhar, MIC vice-president and party economic bureau chief) has now proposed for further financial aid for Malaysian Indians," he said.

Samy Vellu also claimed that "some unscrupulous elements" were taking advantage of the current situation to hit out at the MIC and its leadership by spreading lies via the short messaging service (SMS).

He alleged that these people had actually failed the Malaysian Indian community.

"I have made it a point to have direct contact with the grassroots…we must hear and listen to the grouses of the people.

"At no time will I give up the Malaysian Indian community. I'm always subservient to them and nobody can stop me from fighting for the community," he said.

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johor MIC provide statistics

December 21st, 2007
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I suppose this is to counter the damage by Mr Siva from JIBA.

1. 9 million for past "several years" for 70 schools. Let's assume several years is 5 years. (9,000,000 / 5 / 70 = RM25714 per school per year.)

2. "RM2mil was allocated last year to build new Tamil schools, renovate classrooms and buy equipment." That should read as "build new buildings for existing Tamil schools".

3. "12 new sites for such relocation, including in Taman Tun Aminah (2ha) and Permas Jaya (2.4ha) and a piece of land in Kulai valued at RM9mil.". Obviously land in JB side is expensive and if the school is not located next to sewerage ponds, it should be costly.

4. " Johor had 70 Tamil schools and all of them received aid from the government".  This is provided under law. But what are the efforts to  convert them to FULLY-AIDED status?

5. "He said the state government had recently allocated RM500,000 for the construction of a Hindu crematorium at Kebun Teh here." This is funny indeed!  Of course crematorium is by govt. We don't want people contributing to open burning by cremating the dead in public areas, do we?

I feel something is not right. The way the information is given, it sounds as if the people are living here due to some hospitality or charity of authorities. But things like education, burial, housing are responsibilities, not charity to be given when liked.

MIC rep: Johor always meets needs of Indians

source

JOHOR BARU: The state has never marginalised the Indian community and has given attention to their educational, religious, social and cultural needs, Johor MIC liaison committee chairman Datuk K. S. Balakrishnan said. 

He said the state had granted RM9mil over the past several years for the development and modernisation of Tamil schools while RM2mil was allocated last year to build new Tamil schools, renovate classrooms and buy equipment. The allocation was the result of the request made by Johor MIC and the work was carried out by the district offices, he said. 

Balakrishnan, who is Unity, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman, said the state government had also provided alternative sites for the relocation of Tamil schools when their existing sites had to make way for housing and industrial development. He said the state government so far provided 12 new sites for such relocation, including in Taman Tun Aminah (2ha) and Permas Jaya (2.4ha) and a piece of land in Kulai valued at RM9mil. Johor had 70 Tamil schools and all of them received aid from the government, he said, adding that these schools also received tuition aid from the Johor Education Foundation. 

Balakrishnan said the aid provided by the state government proved untrue the allegations of marginalisation of Indians by the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf). 

He also said that the state government had so far provided 19 alternative sites for Hindu temples that had to make way for development. He said the state government had recently allocated RM500,000 for the construction of a Hindu crematorium at Kebun Teh here. 

On housing, he said the state government had reserved 10% of the units in low and medium cost housing schemes for the Indian community but was prepared to raise the quota to 50% in places such as Labis and Chaah where there were many Indians. – Bernama 

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samy vellu live on tv

December 21st, 2007
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I read in MK about Samy Vellu appearing live on Wednesday night on channel RTM1. I could not watch the program since I wasn't at home. Anyway, according to Astro's statistics, 68% of  Indians watch Astro. So I don't suppose the program was to target Indians. Further more, how many of the non-Astro subscribers actually watch TV1?

Anyway, according to one response, SV seemed to imply that even PM did not respond to his plea to stop the temple from being demolished.

Below is what Star and NST reported.

NST: Delivery system can be improved, says Samy Vellu
By : Marc Lourdes
source

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has taken measures to improve the lot of Indians and has never neglected the community.
But MIC president Datuk Seri Samy Vellu said last night the delivery system was sometimes ineffective.

In an interview with RTM1 last night, Samy Vellu said several programmes under the 9th Malaysia Plan, though approved by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, had not been implemented at the ground level. “The prime minister gave the opportunity to the leaders of all races to voice their opinions when the 9MP was being drafted.

“We came up with recommendations to better the Indian community and he agreed to these. “But a year and a half later, though a few of them have been implemented, we can see that the delivery system is, for the most part, not working,” he said.

Samy Vellu said he had brought this up with the prime minister and asked that the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) ensure that the programmes were carried out as planned. He added that the programmes included those for increasing awareness, promoting entrepreneurship and investment ability as well as developing youth skills. “We have also asked for micro-credit schemes to be provided as we want to have at least 5,000 people in business by the time the 9MP is concluded.”

Besides that, Samy Vellu said, the Indian community also needed funds for the maintenance of Tamil schools. “There are 120 schools that need to be either repaired or rebuilt. “The prime minister accepted all that we said in the two meetings we had. By the way, why shouldn’t he? It was in his (9MP) plan after all!”

He said those who claimed the government had not helped Indians over the last 50 years were lying. He said Indians were much better off today than 50 years ago. “Once upon a time, Indians used to earn RM250 to RM300 a month. Now they earn about RM1,500 to RM2,000 a month. “They once used to work in plantations as labourers, but there are now thousands of highly educated professionals.”

Samy said it was not fair to say that the government had not provided for the Indian community. “Even the Malays and Chinese don’t get everything they wish for. There is no way you can get 100 per cent of what you ask.”

On the use of the words “ethnic cleansing” by the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf), Samy Vellu said: “Hindraf leaders do not know the meaning of the word. This is what happened in Bosnia but it is a baseless accusation here.”

Samy Vellu said he had met with many people following the demonstrations and asked them why they had gotten involved. “They said they were a bit ‘hot’ that day because there were people who made them ‘hot’. “But now they have cooled down and have come to realise that street demonstrations are not the best way to ask for something.”

THE STAR : Indians want issues to be resolved

source

KUALA LUMPUR: MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Velly has admitted that the recent street demonstrations organised by an illegal group, to a certain extent had affected the loyalty of Indians towards the Government. He said based on feedback, there were Indians who had begun questioning why the issues raised by the community had not been resolved by the Government. “There were those who questioned why their applications had not been entertained. So, I have asked the Prime Minister to give a bit more to the Indians (in development programmes) considering their history (in the country). The Prime Minister has agreed to consider this,” he said.

Interviewed in the 60 Minit Bersama Menteri programme on RTM1 last night, Samy Vellu said most of those who were involved in the illegal street demonstrations had regretted their actions. The Works Minister said he had also explained to them that most of the issues raised had been discussed by the Cabinet over the last several months.

“We must remember that we will not get 100% of what we asked for. Where can you find a Government that fulfils 100% of the people’s requests? “The problems are not just faced by the Indians but also by the Chinese and Malays. They also make demands and they, too, don’t get 100%.”

Samy Vellu described the illegal group as “sightless” for not being able to see the progress achieved by the Indians in the last 50 years. – Bernama

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Shaving head to support Hindraf

December 21st, 2007
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Oh no! If i shave my head for any other reason, it may be taken as supporting Hindraf! 🙂 Hmmm…what if all those who shave their heads during Thaipusam do it as a support for Hindraf. That would mean thousands of people!!!

Hindraf supporters shave heads to protest detention
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/76265
Dec 20, 07 2:13pm

More than a dozen ethnic Indian activists shaved their heads outside Batu Caves temple today to protest the detention of their leaders under the tough Internal Security Act (ISA).

Five leaders of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf), calling for an end to alleged discrimination of Indians in multi-racial Malaysia, were held last week under the ISA which allows for indefinite detention without trial.

More than 100 Indians gathered on the banks of a river near a temple at Batu Caves, just outside Kuala Lumpur, where 16 people shed their hair.

"The 16 of us have shaved our heads as a protest against the detention of the five leaders of Hindraf who are being held under the ISA," said activist S Jayathas.

"We do not believe they are a threat to national security and we think the ISA should be abolished," he added.

According to rights group Suaram, 89 people are currently being held under the ISA with almost half of those held being alleged Islamic militants.

Gandhi posters

The group then carried pictures of Indian non-violence Independence leader Mohandas K Gandhi as they headed towards the temple where prayers were held.

"In the Hindu religion, people shave their heads as a sign of mourning," said opposition PKR leader Sivarasa Rasiah, who was present at the event.

"Here, it reflects the sadness over the detention of the leaders and that protests against their detention and the fight against discrimination will continue," he told AFP.

Hindraf enraged the government last month by mounting a mass rally alleging discrimination in Malaysia, which is dominated by Muslim Malays.

Police used tear gas, water cannon and baton charges to break up the street protest, which drew 30,000 people and came just two weeks after another rare demonstration organised by electoral reform campaigners.

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