A quick question: How big a cabinet is needed to efficiently run a US$223 billion economy?
Well, in the case of Singapore (estimated 2007 GDP of US$222.7 billion at Purchasing Power Parity and an estimated per capita GDP (PPP) of US$48,900), it just needs a cabinet of 36 officials, as per the latest cabinet reshuffle announced by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Those 36 officials comprise:
- 1 prime minister,
- 1 senior minister,
- 1 minister mentor,
- 2 deputy prime ministers,
- 15 ministers,
- 7 senior ministers of state,
- 4 ministers of state,
- 4 senior parliamentary secretaries and
- 1 parliamentary secretary.
And Indian Singaporeans have done good in the Singapore cabinet reshuffle too:
- S Jayakumar (Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security)
- Vivian Balakrishnan (Minister for Community Development, Youth & Sports)
- Tharman Shanmugaratnam (Minister for Finance)
- K Shanmugam (Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs)
- Balaji Sadasivan (Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs); and
- S Iswaran (Senior Minister of State for Trade & Industry)
That's one deputy prime minister and three full ministers helming important portfolios like finance and law.
Singaporean Malays haven't done too badly either in the Singapore cabinet reshuffle:
- Yaacob Ibrahim (Minister for Environment and Water Resources)
- Zainul Abidin Rasheed (Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs)
- Masagos Zulkifli (Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education & Home Affairs)
- Hawazi Daipi (Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Manpower & Health); and
- Mohamed Maliki Osman (Parliamentary Secretary for National Development)
That’s one full Malay minister.
Is it logical to compare the size (and composition) of the latest Singapore cabinet with the latest Malaysian cabinet announced by the Malaysian prime minister recently? Are we comparing ‘grapes’ and ‘apples’ (as a prominent Malaysian politician, who shall remain nameless, said in a pre-election speech)?
After all, Malaysia's estimated GDP in 2007 is US$358 billion (US$357.9 billion at Purchasing Power Parity, estimated per capita GDP (PPP) is US14,400).
So, maybe, a bigger Malaysian economy (as measured by GDP) does need a bigger cabinet to run it and the country. Or, maybe, the complexities of the Malaysian political system demand a large cabinet.
Or, maybe, and this is a naughty thought, the Singapore cabinet members are better at multi- tasking and have a better supporting bureaucracy and civil service than their Malaysian counterparts.
But it does make you think, doesn't it?
Shaukat Ali - Malaysiakini
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Friday, April 04, 2008
Near impossible for MIC to re-brand
MIC? Re-brand? Do these people even know what they are talking about? While it is interesting to know that MIC is seriously considering re-branding itself, the fact remains that MIC remains the consummate antithesis to every principle that branding espouses.
To begin with, the exercise will be one in futility fundamentally because the very idea of re-branding has been completely misunderstood by the top brass at MIC. These people, who by their very nature have the habit of using their forked tongue as they please, can never re-brand MIC and regain the glory they once basked in. The call to release the Hindraf 5 is a recent case in point.
Do they know what re-branding really entails? I seriously doubt it. But it sure looks like they have been had as they continue to operate in denial. To begin with, the core of branding must resonate with the needs, perceptions and concerns of its target audience.
Any exercise in re-branding must be based on a reality check. And the results must be accepted with absolute good faith. A brand must listen, engage and deliver a great experience, and the MIC leadership fails on all three elements.
Branding has much to do with not taking the target audiences for granted. And right now, the super-tsunami of Makkal Sakthi (People’s Power) is battering the MIC brand - or what’s left of it.
Therefore, for MIC to stand any chance of it re-branding itself, it must be rid of the contagious disease that it is afflicted with. And here are the ways in which MIC can stand any (but I am afraid remote) chance of being accepted by Indian Malaysians.
1. Samy and Subra must retire and fade into oblivion. That will certainly turn the tide somewhat, at least.
2. Their circle of cronies must fade into oblivion as well. Serious sanitising within the main party and the top echelons of the youth wing is a must.
3. They must account for the plunder of RM100 million of the community's wealth invested in Maika Holdings.
4. And the Telekom shares? Bring those involved to justice.
5. Samy must stop making remarks that are outmoded and viewed blatantly as lies by Indian Malaysians. So what if he says the truth? The people do not believe him anymore.
6. Engage the people, listen to their concerns and act accordingly. That has never happened. Its always been ‘My way or the highway’ with Samy.
7. Equip the party with educated professionals who can craft and implement strategic plans to move the community forward. Not social wings with leaders that have a penchant for parading themselves before the media and extolling the so-called virtues of Samy Vellu and his cronies.
8. Make way for a new generation of leaders who can turnaround the party and lead.
9. Craft a brand platform that is all about sincerity, selflessness, service above self and a great future; and works to live its values.
All said, none of the above will become a reality unless Samy and Subra fade into oblivion. But all may not be lost. It seems as though the current line-up has managed to accommodate one well -meaning decent professional.
The hopes of the MIC may rest upon the shoulders of Dr Subramaniam, the human resources minister. For the moment, he comes across as a well-meaning, decent professional. Perhaps he should move to the helm and make material changes to the MIC.
But then again, will Samy and Subra fade into oblivion. Power certainly is seductive for these old boys. Will they ever get real and disengage?
Woe betide the MIC brand; and a brand it is not certainly.
Ragunathan - Malaysiakini
To begin with, the exercise will be one in futility fundamentally because the very idea of re-branding has been completely misunderstood by the top brass at MIC. These people, who by their very nature have the habit of using their forked tongue as they please, can never re-brand MIC and regain the glory they once basked in. The call to release the Hindraf 5 is a recent case in point.
Do they know what re-branding really entails? I seriously doubt it. But it sure looks like they have been had as they continue to operate in denial. To begin with, the core of branding must resonate with the needs, perceptions and concerns of its target audience.
Any exercise in re-branding must be based on a reality check. And the results must be accepted with absolute good faith. A brand must listen, engage and deliver a great experience, and the MIC leadership fails on all three elements.
Branding has much to do with not taking the target audiences for granted. And right now, the super-tsunami of Makkal Sakthi (People’s Power) is battering the MIC brand - or what’s left of it.
Therefore, for MIC to stand any chance of it re-branding itself, it must be rid of the contagious disease that it is afflicted with. And here are the ways in which MIC can stand any (but I am afraid remote) chance of being accepted by Indian Malaysians.
1. Samy and Subra must retire and fade into oblivion. That will certainly turn the tide somewhat, at least.
2. Their circle of cronies must fade into oblivion as well. Serious sanitising within the main party and the top echelons of the youth wing is a must.
3. They must account for the plunder of RM100 million of the community's wealth invested in Maika Holdings.
4. And the Telekom shares? Bring those involved to justice.
5. Samy must stop making remarks that are outmoded and viewed blatantly as lies by Indian Malaysians. So what if he says the truth? The people do not believe him anymore.
6. Engage the people, listen to their concerns and act accordingly. That has never happened. Its always been ‘My way or the highway’ with Samy.
7. Equip the party with educated professionals who can craft and implement strategic plans to move the community forward. Not social wings with leaders that have a penchant for parading themselves before the media and extolling the so-called virtues of Samy Vellu and his cronies.
8. Make way for a new generation of leaders who can turnaround the party and lead.
9. Craft a brand platform that is all about sincerity, selflessness, service above self and a great future; and works to live its values.
All said, none of the above will become a reality unless Samy and Subra fade into oblivion. But all may not be lost. It seems as though the current line-up has managed to accommodate one well -meaning decent professional.
The hopes of the MIC may rest upon the shoulders of Dr Subramaniam, the human resources minister. For the moment, he comes across as a well-meaning, decent professional. Perhaps he should move to the helm and make material changes to the MIC.
But then again, will Samy and Subra fade into oblivion. Power certainly is seductive for these old boys. Will they ever get real and disengage?
Woe betide the MIC brand; and a brand it is not certainly.
Ragunathan - Malaysiakini
Samy tells BN: Ignore Indians at your peril
The government's failure to act on issues concerning the Indian community had led the once loyal supporters of Barisan Nasional (BN) to cast their ballots for the opposition in the March 8 polls.
This was the message put across by MIC president S Samy Vellu during a press conference at the party headquarters in Kuala Lumpur after chairing the central working committee (CWC) meeting this afternoon.
The veteran politician also warned that if the situation is not rectified, it could pave the way for greater losses.
Responding to questions on his call to release the five Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leaders from detention, Samy Vellu said: "I know how much the Indian community is attached to BN."
"They loved BN! 85 percent ... 85 percent. But we always had to cry for something to be done. If things were done, I don't think they would have moved an inch.
"Now, the whole Indian crowd has moved. Usually, BN gets about 75 percent or 80 percent from the Indian community.
"Now, they have got 45 to 50 (percent). About 35 percent have moved ... If you still don't worry about them, then let God decide-lah, I won't say anything at all," he added.
Nevertheless, the MIC president said the party would continue to tell the Indian community that its future is with the ruling coalition
"When I say that, the BN government must also say and do things (to show) that they care for the community," he added.
Three-hour discussion
As for the CWC meeting, Samy Vellu said the members held a three-hour discussion - peppered with debates and anger - on issues such as equity ownership, employment and loans for businesses.
He said it was decided that a delegation led by the MIC president would meet with Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Amirsham Aziz who overseas the Economic Planning Unit as soon as possible.
Urging the government to act and create more opportunities, Samy Vellu said these are issues close to the heart of the Indian community.
"This was a big challenge for us in the elections. We could not answer many of the questions raised by the opposition because the government did not act on these issues," he added.
On the three percent equity target for the Indian community in the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP), Samy Vellu said the equity ownership has dropped to 1.2 percent from 1.5 percent.
"Why did it go down? Because the government did not take the appropriate action. If proper action was taken, this would not have happened. The government did not pay proper attention to this," he said.
Samy Vellu also revealed that he received reports of several figures working in GLCs being told to leave as the 'opportunities' have been given to others.
"This is not the proper system. GLCs only hold the money and investments of the government. So the government must look at this as well," he said.
'This cannot, that cannot'
On Small Medium Enterprise (SME) loans, Samy Vellu said MIC is dissatisfied that a large number of Indian applicants have been turned down.
Quizzed on this, he said: "Many people come and report to us that although they have applied, they do not get the loans."
"There are some who say (they were told) that they are not qualified to apply. This is not right ... these are the officers who say 'this cannot, that cannot' when people apply. In the end, the government gets the bad name," he added.
Samy Vellu also said that numerous quarters have accused MIC of not voicing out issues concerning the community.
"We were voicing out issues even before they (the accusers) were born. All these youngsters who are 21, 22 years old are using blogs to say that we (MIC) have not been doing anything for 27 years.
"But they don't see if there is any validity to their accusations," added the 72-year-old politician who has been helming MIC for 28 years.
RK Anand - Malaysiakini
This was the message put across by MIC president S Samy Vellu during a press conference at the party headquarters in Kuala Lumpur after chairing the central working committee (CWC) meeting this afternoon.
The veteran politician also warned that if the situation is not rectified, it could pave the way for greater losses.
Responding to questions on his call to release the five Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leaders from detention, Samy Vellu said: "I know how much the Indian community is attached to BN."
"They loved BN! 85 percent ... 85 percent. But we always had to cry for something to be done. If things were done, I don't think they would have moved an inch.
"Now, the whole Indian crowd has moved. Usually, BN gets about 75 percent or 80 percent from the Indian community.
"Now, they have got 45 to 50 (percent). About 35 percent have moved ... If you still don't worry about them, then let God decide-lah, I won't say anything at all," he added.
Nevertheless, the MIC president said the party would continue to tell the Indian community that its future is with the ruling coalition
"When I say that, the BN government must also say and do things (to show) that they care for the community," he added.
Three-hour discussion
As for the CWC meeting, Samy Vellu said the members held a three-hour discussion - peppered with debates and anger - on issues such as equity ownership, employment and loans for businesses.
He said it was decided that a delegation led by the MIC president would meet with Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Amirsham Aziz who overseas the Economic Planning Unit as soon as possible.
Urging the government to act and create more opportunities, Samy Vellu said these are issues close to the heart of the Indian community.
"This was a big challenge for us in the elections. We could not answer many of the questions raised by the opposition because the government did not act on these issues," he added.
On the three percent equity target for the Indian community in the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP), Samy Vellu said the equity ownership has dropped to 1.2 percent from 1.5 percent.
"Why did it go down? Because the government did not take the appropriate action. If proper action was taken, this would not have happened. The government did not pay proper attention to this," he said.
Samy Vellu also revealed that he received reports of several figures working in GLCs being told to leave as the 'opportunities' have been given to others.
"This is not the proper system. GLCs only hold the money and investments of the government. So the government must look at this as well," he said.
'This cannot, that cannot'
On Small Medium Enterprise (SME) loans, Samy Vellu said MIC is dissatisfied that a large number of Indian applicants have been turned down.
Quizzed on this, he said: "Many people come and report to us that although they have applied, they do not get the loans."
"There are some who say (they were told) that they are not qualified to apply. This is not right ... these are the officers who say 'this cannot, that cannot' when people apply. In the end, the government gets the bad name," he added.
Samy Vellu also said that numerous quarters have accused MIC of not voicing out issues concerning the community.
"We were voicing out issues even before they (the accusers) were born. All these youngsters who are 21, 22 years old are using blogs to say that we (MIC) have not been doing anything for 27 years.
"But they don't see if there is any validity to their accusations," added the 72-year-old politician who has been helming MIC for 28 years.
RK Anand - Malaysiakini
Free Hindraf 5: MIC chief returns fire
MIC president S Samy Vellu today launched a counter attack against those who assailed him for calling on the government to free the five Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leaders detained without trial.
Kicking off with Umno vice-president and Malacca Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam, he said: "I don't worry about Ali Rustam."
"Whatever he says has nothing to do with me. He has got his own politics but I have no politics. I am talking as a man who feels for the people inside," he added when asked about this during a press conference at the party headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.
On Monday, Ali Rustam told the MIC president not to use the Hindraf issue for his own political interest.
Next in Samy Vellu's line of fire were the critical voices in Hindraf.
"The second day after I said this (free the five), a lot of Hindraf fellows were attacking me.
"I know why they attacked me, they like them (the five) to be in detention for a long time in order to attain their political status ... I think it is real nonsense.
"When somebody is trying to help them, they are saying 'leave us, leave us, you are not genuine'.
"How do I prove I am genuine? You think I have to put a plastic soda on my body, clean and make my skin white before they believe me."
Supposed to meet Hindraf chairperson
Asked if Hindraf chairperson P Waythamoorthy was supposed to meet him during a recent trip to India, Samy Vellu said they spoke to each other.
"Waythamoorthy spoke to me, I also spoke to him. He promised that when I went to India, we will have a meeting to discuss the issues that are confronting us.
"Then he said he is going to Bombay (Mumbai) and I went to Madras (Chennai). Then he said let us reserve the 27th of last month for our discussion.
"I waited in my hotel, I waited and waited up to 11 o'clock and I gave him a call but he did not attend the phone, then I packed up my things and came back to Malaysia ... Hindraf is not my enemy, but they are not my friends also," he added.
Waythamoorthy - who is in London in self-exile - was also critical of Samy Vellu's decision to push for the release of the five Hindraf leaders held under the Internal Security Act (ISA).
The Hindraf chairperson's brother, Uthayakumar, is among those detained. The rest are M Manoharan, V Ganabatirau, T Vasantha Kumar and R Kenghadharan.
They were arrested shortly after organising a mammoth rally in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 25 which saw some 30,000 Indians taking to the streets.
In the past, Samy Vellu had been highly critical of the movement and the demonstration.
Sad about Dr Mahathir's remarks
Asked if MIC is now regonising the Hindraf struggle as legitimate by calling for the release of its leaders, the president said: "I am not talking about the legitimate thing or whatever they are talking about."
"The question is ... what is due to Indians was not attended to by the government. I have raised this a thousand times in the cabinet. I am very particular about it even from the time of (former premier) Dr Mahathir (Mohamad)," he added.
On that note, Samy Vellu said - in reference to Mahathir's comments published in Malaysiakini - that he was saddened by the former premier's assertion that the MIC president did not raise these issues then.
"I have got evidence to say the amount of things that I have raised in the cabinet. I have all the cabinet minutes.
"I was so unhappy that Mahathir said I did not raise anything... But I don't want to talk about him, I respect him, he is a great man. I don't want to argue with him. I still have a lot of respect, but I wanted to correct him that I have asked (about the issues).
"If he says 'no' .... ask him to put his hand on his chest and find out whether it is true," he added.
On his scheduled meeting with Home Minister Syed Hamid Syed Albar regarding the Hindraf five this evening, Samy Vellu said he would explain to the minister why the detainees must be freed.
"I will also tell him how their families feel about it. As far as I am concerned matters are settling. The elections are over. Now, I think they should be given their freedom," he added.
Asked what his next move would be if the government does not free the detainees, Samy Vellu replied: "I will continuously pressure the government because I am not part of the government now."
The 72-year-old MIC president and former works minister was among the casualties of the March 8 polls. The party was defeated in 18 of its 28 seats.
Towards the end of the press conference, Samy Vellu was asked if Mahathir's incessant attacks against Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi would weaken the Barisan Nasional further.
However, the veteran politician refused to be drawn into this. "I have already told you I will not talk anything about Mahathir. I will stick to it."
RK Anand - Malaysiakini
Kicking off with Umno vice-president and Malacca Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam, he said: "I don't worry about Ali Rustam."
"Whatever he says has nothing to do with me. He has got his own politics but I have no politics. I am talking as a man who feels for the people inside," he added when asked about this during a press conference at the party headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.
On Monday, Ali Rustam told the MIC president not to use the Hindraf issue for his own political interest.
Next in Samy Vellu's line of fire were the critical voices in Hindraf.
"The second day after I said this (free the five), a lot of Hindraf fellows were attacking me.
"I know why they attacked me, they like them (the five) to be in detention for a long time in order to attain their political status ... I think it is real nonsense.
"When somebody is trying to help them, they are saying 'leave us, leave us, you are not genuine'.
"How do I prove I am genuine? You think I have to put a plastic soda on my body, clean and make my skin white before they believe me."
Supposed to meet Hindraf chairperson
Asked if Hindraf chairperson P Waythamoorthy was supposed to meet him during a recent trip to India, Samy Vellu said they spoke to each other.
"Waythamoorthy spoke to me, I also spoke to him. He promised that when I went to India, we will have a meeting to discuss the issues that are confronting us.
"Then he said he is going to Bombay (Mumbai) and I went to Madras (Chennai). Then he said let us reserve the 27th of last month for our discussion.
"I waited in my hotel, I waited and waited up to 11 o'clock and I gave him a call but he did not attend the phone, then I packed up my things and came back to Malaysia ... Hindraf is not my enemy, but they are not my friends also," he added.
Waythamoorthy - who is in London in self-exile - was also critical of Samy Vellu's decision to push for the release of the five Hindraf leaders held under the Internal Security Act (ISA).
The Hindraf chairperson's brother, Uthayakumar, is among those detained. The rest are M Manoharan, V Ganabatirau, T Vasantha Kumar and R Kenghadharan.
They were arrested shortly after organising a mammoth rally in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 25 which saw some 30,000 Indians taking to the streets.
In the past, Samy Vellu had been highly critical of the movement and the demonstration.
Sad about Dr Mahathir's remarks
Asked if MIC is now regonising the Hindraf struggle as legitimate by calling for the release of its leaders, the president said: "I am not talking about the legitimate thing or whatever they are talking about."
"The question is ... what is due to Indians was not attended to by the government. I have raised this a thousand times in the cabinet. I am very particular about it even from the time of (former premier) Dr Mahathir (Mohamad)," he added.
On that note, Samy Vellu said - in reference to Mahathir's comments published in Malaysiakini - that he was saddened by the former premier's assertion that the MIC president did not raise these issues then.
"I have got evidence to say the amount of things that I have raised in the cabinet. I have all the cabinet minutes.
"I was so unhappy that Mahathir said I did not raise anything... But I don't want to talk about him, I respect him, he is a great man. I don't want to argue with him. I still have a lot of respect, but I wanted to correct him that I have asked (about the issues).
"If he says 'no' .... ask him to put his hand on his chest and find out whether it is true," he added.
On his scheduled meeting with Home Minister Syed Hamid Syed Albar regarding the Hindraf five this evening, Samy Vellu said he would explain to the minister why the detainees must be freed.
"I will also tell him how their families feel about it. As far as I am concerned matters are settling. The elections are over. Now, I think they should be given their freedom," he added.
Asked what his next move would be if the government does not free the detainees, Samy Vellu replied: "I will continuously pressure the government because I am not part of the government now."
The 72-year-old MIC president and former works minister was among the casualties of the March 8 polls. The party was defeated in 18 of its 28 seats.
Towards the end of the press conference, Samy Vellu was asked if Mahathir's incessant attacks against Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi would weaken the Barisan Nasional further.
However, the veteran politician refused to be drawn into this. "I have already told you I will not talk anything about Mahathir. I will stick to it."
RK Anand - Malaysiakini
Calls made for Indian council in Penang
The Penang DAP Indians want the state government to immediately establish a high powered state-level council that would function as a one-stop agency to manage all issues and matters pertaining to Indian affairs in the state.
In their proposal made to state DAP chairperson Chow Kon Yew recently, DAP Indian members have suggested for Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P Ramasamy to chair the council, which will come under the direct purview of the Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and his state executive council.
The DAP state leadership is expected to study the proposal and submit its recommendation for the executive council’s perusal and approval soon.
If set up, for the first time the Penang Indians will have a high-powered state government body to handle and manage their affairs.
Under the proposal, the council; namely the State Indian Development and Advisory Council or Pidac, would handle, deliberate, consider, manage, propose and make recommendations on all issues and matters pertaining to the Indian community interests, rights and benefits to the Pakatan Rakyat state government.
This encompasses issues and matters pertaining to the community's political and socio-economic interests and rights such as Tamil school, education, student, scholarships, religions, employment, government tenders, appointments to and functions of Indian based government bodies, and state awards and titles.
The council will also accumulate and disseminate the correct and official information of the state government to the Indian masses.
According to the working paper, the council would initially start off with 11 members comprising elected Indian members in the Parliament, state legislative assemblypersons and local council, and party members.
Its composition would expand when and unless deemed necessary.
Being ears and eyes
Proponents of the council said it will be an effective and decisive highest state-level think-tank and decision making body to suggest solutions and make recommendations to the state government on all issues and matters pertaining to Indian community.
It aims to assist the Chief Minister and the state executive council to formulate policies, programmes and projects to benefit the Penang Indian community, besides being the "ears and eyes" of the state government to monitor their implementation and implications.
DAP Indians said Penang Indians badly needed a council to carry out comprehensive and systematic policies and programmes for their benefits.
The previous Barisan Nasional state government were only dishing symbolic and unconstructive assistance, such as token sums to build temples, repair schools and organise NGO functions, to the Indian community.
They said the community wanted more constructive, dynamic and vibrant blueprint that would upgrade their standards of living and safeguard their political and socio-economic rights.
This was the main reason behind the community’s strong backing to DAP and company on March 8 polls.
“The council would be a one-stop agency under the state government for the Indians.“The Indians role in the state government would be effective, decisive and meaningful,” said majority DAP Indians.
Forgotten lot again
However, their hopes to set up the council seem being hindered by a certain state assemblyperson.
An insider said the assemblyperson had been dragging his feet on the proposal due to fear of losing his prominence and influence in the state government.
“The assemblyperson obviously did not realise that politically the council, if set up, would strengthen his position and influence in the government and party,” said the insider.
At present, many DAP Indians in Penang claim that they have been become forgotten lots since the party captured Penang on March 8 polls, with the help of political allies – PKR and PAS.
“Since the DAP came to power, our existence, importance and sacrifices seemed ignored,” summed up a disgruntled Indian member, who has been a party man for over 20 years.
Many are now supporting formation of the council to rejuvenate and resurrect their relevance and roles in Penang DAP and the state government.
DAP Indian members are now firmly supporting the formation of the council.
They do not want Indian interests being looked after by one particular Indian leader, but rather preferred it to be managed collectively by all Indian DAP members.
“We surely do not want Indians to be forgotten lots in similar fashion that happened in Gerakan in the previous Barisan Nasional administration,” they said.
They want Lim and company to set up the council sooner rather than later.
Athi Veeranggan - Malaysiakini
In their proposal made to state DAP chairperson Chow Kon Yew recently, DAP Indian members have suggested for Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P Ramasamy to chair the council, which will come under the direct purview of the Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and his state executive council.
The DAP state leadership is expected to study the proposal and submit its recommendation for the executive council’s perusal and approval soon.
If set up, for the first time the Penang Indians will have a high-powered state government body to handle and manage their affairs.
Under the proposal, the council; namely the State Indian Development and Advisory Council or Pidac, would handle, deliberate, consider, manage, propose and make recommendations on all issues and matters pertaining to the Indian community interests, rights and benefits to the Pakatan Rakyat state government.
This encompasses issues and matters pertaining to the community's political and socio-economic interests and rights such as Tamil school, education, student, scholarships, religions, employment, government tenders, appointments to and functions of Indian based government bodies, and state awards and titles.
The council will also accumulate and disseminate the correct and official information of the state government to the Indian masses.
According to the working paper, the council would initially start off with 11 members comprising elected Indian members in the Parliament, state legislative assemblypersons and local council, and party members.
Its composition would expand when and unless deemed necessary.
Being ears and eyes
Proponents of the council said it will be an effective and decisive highest state-level think-tank and decision making body to suggest solutions and make recommendations to the state government on all issues and matters pertaining to Indian community.
It aims to assist the Chief Minister and the state executive council to formulate policies, programmes and projects to benefit the Penang Indian community, besides being the "ears and eyes" of the state government to monitor their implementation and implications.
DAP Indians said Penang Indians badly needed a council to carry out comprehensive and systematic policies and programmes for their benefits.
The previous Barisan Nasional state government were only dishing symbolic and unconstructive assistance, such as token sums to build temples, repair schools and organise NGO functions, to the Indian community.
They said the community wanted more constructive, dynamic and vibrant blueprint that would upgrade their standards of living and safeguard their political and socio-economic rights.
This was the main reason behind the community’s strong backing to DAP and company on March 8 polls.
“The council would be a one-stop agency under the state government for the Indians.“The Indians role in the state government would be effective, decisive and meaningful,” said majority DAP Indians.
Forgotten lot again
However, their hopes to set up the council seem being hindered by a certain state assemblyperson.
An insider said the assemblyperson had been dragging his feet on the proposal due to fear of losing his prominence and influence in the state government.
“The assemblyperson obviously did not realise that politically the council, if set up, would strengthen his position and influence in the government and party,” said the insider.
At present, many DAP Indians in Penang claim that they have been become forgotten lots since the party captured Penang on March 8 polls, with the help of political allies – PKR and PAS.
“Since the DAP came to power, our existence, importance and sacrifices seemed ignored,” summed up a disgruntled Indian member, who has been a party man for over 20 years.
Many are now supporting formation of the council to rejuvenate and resurrect their relevance and roles in Penang DAP and the state government.
DAP Indian members are now firmly supporting the formation of the council.
They do not want Indian interests being looked after by one particular Indian leader, but rather preferred it to be managed collectively by all Indian DAP members.
“We surely do not want Indians to be forgotten lots in similar fashion that happened in Gerakan in the previous Barisan Nasional administration,” they said.
They want Lim and company to set up the council sooner rather than later.
Athi Veeranggan - Malaysiakini
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