NGOs push 3 proposals to uplift the Indian community

A coalition of 19 Indian NGOs, called Gelombang Saksama, has proposed three initiatives to address the socio-economic challenges faced by the Indian community in Malaysia. Former Klang MP Charles Santiago, speaking for the coalition, suggested forming a dedicated statutory body as the primary agency to implement measures aimed at improving the community's socio-economic position. This body would be responsible for managing efforts to uplift the community and alleviate their deprivation.

The first proposal involves establishing a public-private funding vehicle, where contributions would be made by both the Indian community and the government. Santiago stated that research conducted by the NGOs revealed that approximately RM100 million could be potentially raised within the first year to support entrepreneurship, education, and welfare initiatives.

The third proposal is for the establishment of a Cabinet committee to tackle the community's day-to-day problems. According to Santiago, the Cabinet committee should be set up as soon as possible to lay the groundwork for the proposed funding vehicle and the dedicated statutory body. He emphasized that the Indian community's socio-economic situation had deteriorated over the past decade and called for more efforts to strengthen the community, which constitutes about 6.5% of Malaysia's population.

Bersama leader Rafizi Ramli stated that the party would consider the proposals when developing its policy papers, which will form the basis of its manifesto. He also expressed the party's willingness to consult other groups and hold further discussions with Gelombang Saksama. Ramli acknowledged that there had been numerous promises made to the Indian community over the years, but stressed that the main issue remains implementation.

He noted that even if broader issues are successfully addressed, there will still be groups with specific needs due to the diversity in their challenges and contexts.