Deep-rooted discrimination leaves Malaysian Indian youths feeling alienated and marginalised, report finds

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 — A new report by think tank Iman Research reveals that Malaysian Indian youths are feeling increasingly marginalised and politically alienated due to systemic discrimination in education, employment, and housing. Titled "Kami Orang Sini Juga — Indian Youth Report," the study interviewed 111 Indian youths across Malaysia, highlighting the hurdles they face from an early age.

These challenges include racial hostility in schools, precarity in housing and labor markets, and a lack of representation in politics. Iman Research researcher Shaleen Surendra emphasized that the findings serve as a wake-up call for policymakers to address the community's growing disillusionment. The report details a cycle of systemic failure, with Indian youths experiencing verbal and physical abuse in schools, and being disproportionately affected by the matriculation system.

In the job and rental markets, they encounter inconsistent standards that often lead to rejection. Political tokenism has resulted in these youths becoming wary of superficial representation, demanding leaders who will advocate for their rights through concrete action. The consequences of systemic exclusion are severe, with at-risk youths, particularly young Indian boys, being vulnerable to gang recruitment as a false sense of safety and belonging.

To bridge the gap, the report recommends educational reform, legal protections, political inclusion, civic engagement, and increased transparency in government funding and civic education.