Association questions timing of ex-MPs’ proposals for Indian community

The president of the Selangor Wilayah Indian Business Association has raised concerns about the timing of proposals presented by two former Malaysian MPs to address the socio-economic challenges faced by the Indian community. Steven Theventharan, the association's leader, questioned whether the former MPs, Charles Santiago and Rafizi Ramli, had previously demonstrated urgency in implementing initiatives for the community.

Theventharan pointed out that the issues facing the Indian community predate 2026, the year in which Santiago and Ramli proposed their ideas. He noted that Santiago served as the Klang MP for three consecutive terms from 2008, while Ramli held the role of economy minister since 2022. The question of timing, he argued, becomes particularly pertinent when considering Ramli's position of power.

In response to the proposals, Santiago spoke on behalf of a coalition of 19 Indian organizations known as Gelombang Saksama, which aims to establish a dedicated statutory body, a public-private funding vehicle, and a Cabinet committee to tackle the community's socio-economic challenges. Ramli, now leading the Bersama party, stated that the group would consider the proposals as they develop their policy papers, which will form the foundation of their future manifesto.

Ravi Murugan, president of the Dewi Sri Maha Mariamman Bandar Springhill Association, cautioned politicians against shifting expectations among the Indian community whenever political circumstances change. He warned that such actions could lead to confusion and discord within the community.