The Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak recently called on the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) to re-engineer itself to remain relevant to the Indian community.It is a sign that the BN is beginning to realise that the MIC is becoming a liability rather than as asset, which it had been, standing solidly behind the BN in all the previous elections. He rightly pointed out that Indian community, like the others, is more educated now and their expectations from the leadership were higher than ever before. This is an inevitable change that results from the rapid socio-economic developments that have taken place in the country over the last 50 years.
The MIC must heed Najib’s call to re-examine and revamp its leadership at all levels and act to regain the confidence of the Indian community. Otherwise as he says there is real danger that the MIC, which has been the sole representative of the Indians in the government since its inception, will soon become irrelevant to them.
Najib outlined the steps the government would take to uplift the socio-economic standing of Malaysian Indians. These include increasing the intake of Indians into the civil service; providing more scholarships to Indians entering public universities; sending qualified Indians to foreign universities for tertiary education; increasing the micro credit loans for Indian businessmen; improving the quality of education at Tamil schools; and orderly relocation of temples. Are these measures genuine or just election promises?
While it is encouraging that the government has suddenly recognized the plight of the Indians in particular, it is lamented that these problems, had been neglected for far too long. Restructuring of society and eradication of poverty did not bring the intended benefits to all communities although the policy was tailored for that.
The government might have initiated numerous development programmes for the various communities but unfortunately their implementation leaves much to be desired. It is imperative that the government ensure that policies formulated at the highest level, are translated into realities on the ground and not sabotaged by the “Little Napoleons” at various levels of the administration. Why did the government fail to reprimand these "little Napoleans" who did not toe the line in implementing national policies which were meant to benefit all communities?
Najib admitted that Malaysia would not become a developed nation by 2020 if any of the races, including Indians, were marginalised.In this context the contribution of all communities, however small, is vital to the overall development of the nation. No efforts must be spared to tap the potentials of all to the fullest. No community however small should be neglected as the ailments in one will rapidly spread over to adversely affect all.
It is election time and the PM and DPM and others top leaders of the BN have promised many goodies for all including the Indian community. The question in the minds of Indians is, will the BN keep its promises after 50 years of failing to do so? Many believe that it can be, to a certain extent, made to honour its promises to the Indian community if there is a change in the leadership in the MIC.The Indians are convinced beyond doubt that as long as the present leaders of MIC remain at the helm, there can never be any change in the attitude of the BN and the government towards the plight of Indians.
Unfortunately the leadership of the MIC, under Datuk Seri Samy Velu, prefers to be blind to the dilemma of community it says it represents. Unless the MIC leaders come out their denial syndrome, the future of the Indians does not look too bright.
Dr.Chris Anthony
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