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The Coalition of Malaysian Indian NGOs has submitted a proposal requesting Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to establish a non-political independent task force to assist the government to overcome the plight of Indians in this country.<\/p>\n
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Coalition chairperson A Vaithilingam, at a press conference in Petaling Jaya today, said the nine-member task force was to help the prime minister design and develop specific programmes to aid the Indians.<\/p>\n
"The terms of reference of the task force should include undertaking the programmes, monitoring, evaluating and submitting periodical reports on the implementation and progress (of the programmes)," he said.<\/p>\n
The suggestion to form the task force was made in a preliminary statement submitted to Abdullah last Friday by the coalition, comprising of more than 120 Indian-based NGOs. A more detailed memorandum will be submitted to the premier within one month.<\/p>\n
Vaithilingam, who described the statement as a "friendly and moderate approach to the government", said the Indian-based NGOs are willing to work together for the betterment of the community and national unity.<\/p>\n
Asked whether the coalition will be upset if the government does not form the task force and direct MIC to handle the proposals, Vaithilingam said: "We're not dictating, we're just requesting. If the government wants to do it through the MIC, we cannot stop it."<\/p>\n
"We're willing to work with MIC. We will send the memorandum to all political parties and ministries when it is prepared," he said.<\/p>\n
Funding for the community Vaithilingam said incentives via the fund can be given to non-political NGOs to implement community empowerment programmes.<\/p>\n "Among the areas of concern are the problems affecting single mothers, orphans, homelessness, and squatters," he said, adding that Indian-based NGOs in particular should be given funding and other incentives to address problems where Indians are disproportionately affected.<\/p>\n The coalition also listed several other proposals, namely:<\/p>\n \u00e2\u20ac\u00a2 Moratorium on demolitions of places of worship throughout the country pending the formulation of comprehensive guidelines and land alienation for all existing established places of worship <\/p>\n \u00e2\u20ac\u00a2 All Tamil schools to be fully funded by the government; increase the proportion of non-Malay students in residential schools and vocational and technical schools <\/p>\n \u00e2\u20ac\u00a2 Suitable and affordable housing made available on an equitable basis to disadvantaged Indian households: sufficient trade license to all deserving applicants irrespective of race <\/p>\n
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\nThe preliminary statement also proposed the establishment of a community development fund under the PM's department to be administered by the task force.<\/p>\n