Latest news with #MalaysianIndians
Focus Malaysia
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Ramasamy: Mandor system should not be blamed but those behind the system of subservience
THE Malaysian Indian People's Party (MIPP) deputy president S. Subramaniam has suggested that the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim heads the Indian Community Action Committee (ICAC) rather than appointing Indian mandor from PKR or the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led coalition. Editor's Note: On Monday (June 16), a source told Malaysiakini that Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan would be appointed chair of a newly formed committee to look into the interest of Malaysian Indians. The mandor system was used by British planters during the colonial period in which Indians mandor or supervisor were appointed to manage the labour affairs. The mandor might be a South Indian Tamil but he took instructions from the white managers in managing labour affairs in the plantations. Unlike the Chinese kepala who had the material interest of Chinese labour, the Indian mandor functioned on behalf of the plantation bosses. My book on plantation labour describes in detail that Chinese contract labourers earned higher wages than Indian labourers because the former who operated under the kepala system provided better material incentives than the mandor system. 'Blame non-Indians elites' The political relevance of the analogy of mandor system was first used by the HINDRAF (Hindu Rights Action Force) leaders to describe and belittle Indian leaders who functioned on behalf of the Chinese and Malay leaders in DAP and PKR. The use of the mandor analogy is to show that Indian leaders in the PH-led coalition have no real power but are subservient to the non-Indian leaders. Subramaniam might be making a valid point by saying that Indian leaders in the government have no real power as it is being wielded by the Chinese and Malay leaders. However, I differ from Subramaniam on the point of Anwar himself heading the ICAC to channel financial benefits to the Indian community. While Subramaniam blames the Indian mandor, he has discounted the notion that the mandor phenomenon in the government is the consequence of the government adhering to the racist majoritarian policies. In other words, the Indian mandor is not the real problem but those non-Indian elite who manipulate the subservience of these leaders for their particular interests. Even if Indian leaders or mandor are not appointed, the result will be no different. It must be remembered that the crux of the problem is not the mandor system but those non-Indian leaders in power who make use of Indian leaders to camouflage the majoritarian racial and religious system for political expediency. Political camouflage Indian leaders or mandor are used by the non-Indian elite to impress upon the community of the existence of Indian representation. However, such a projection is nothing but a political farce. Unfortunately, this Indian representation in the form of Indian leaders playing second fiddle to non-Indian leaders does not augur well for the economic and political well-being of the Indian community. The pliant Indian leaders in the ruling coalition are a disgrace and humiliation to the Indian community that has immensely contributed to the nation in blood, sweat and tears. This is the reason why the Malaysian Rights Party (Urimai) makes it a point to chart an independent political course for the Indian community without being entrapped by the vicious mandor system that prioritises the interest of the elite of the majoritarian community at the expense of ordinary Indians and others in the country. At the core of the political struggle of Urimai is that Indians should be led by Indian leaders who are in a position to articulate the broader concerns of the community. Urimai definitely does not want to exchange one form of domination to another form. Urimai is open to coalition building but such an effort will be predicated on independence, integrity and dignity. It is not enough to decipher the vicious nature of the political system that has parallels with how plantation labour was controlled and exploited under the mandor system. The present Indian mandor leaders are no different from their earlier counterparts but serve different masters under different political circumstances. – June 20, 2025 Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Free Malaysia Today
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Najib did more for Indians than any other PM, says MIC man
P Kamalanathan, a former deputy education minister under Najib Razak, said Najib never refused to allocate extra funds for the development of Tamil schools GEORGE TOWN : Najib Razak has done more for the Malaysian Indian community than any other prime minister before or after him, says a MIC leader. MIC central working committee member P Kamalanathan said Najib had proven by his actions that he had the interests of the Indian community at heart. When Najib was prime minister, from 2009 to 2018, he had allocated nearly RM1 billion to develop the infrastructure of Tamil schools across the country, and never refused to allocate extra funds for the development of Tamil schools, Kamalanathan said. 'No former prime minister, and no prime minister after Najib, has ever done this,' he told FMT when met at a public relations event here. Kamalanathan's comments were in response to a survey which showed that a majority of Malaysian Indians backed Najib's bid for a royal pardon. Najib is currently serving a jail sentence after being convicted of corruption and abuse of power relating to funds of SRC International. Kamalanathan, who served as deputy education minister under Najib from 2013 to 2018, said he hoped Najib would be granted house arrest for the remainder of his sentence. 'He has gone through the punishment,' he said. Explaining the Indian community's support for the former prime minister, Kamalanathan recalled an instance in 2016 when he sought an additional RM10 million budget allocation for Tamil pre-schools. Najib said he was already allocating RM50 million for Tamil schools but Kamalanathan said the additional funds were needed to build 50 Tamil pre-schools. When the 2016 budget was tabled, Najib announced the additional RM10 million allocation. Kamalanathn, a former MP for Hulu Selangor, said Najib had also increased the intake of Indian students in public universities from the existing 1,500 to 2,200. 'He's unlike other prime ministers,' Kamalanathan said.
Free Malaysia Today
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Malaysian Indians – a crucial piece of our nation's glory
The Malaysian Indian community, constituting just 7% of the population which makes it a minority, has faced systemic marginalisation and discrimination for decades. Recent incidents, such as the call to remove them from Malaysia, the forced relocation of a Hindu temple and blatant acts of racism highlight this entrenched prejudice that continues to undermine their dignity and rightful place in society. Most Malaysian Indians are descendants of labourers brought in by British colonisers in the 19th century to work in plantations, railways and docks. Despite their contributions to Malaysia's development, they were relegated to low socio-economic positions post-independence, with little upward mobility. This worsened from 1981 to 2003. Various studies show that Indians face the highest levels of discrimination in employment (51%), housing (35%), and interactions with law enforcement (21%). For example, Indian men have a job callback rate of just 3.66%, compared to 43.88% for Chinese women. Indians own less than 2% of Malaysia's national wealth despite being the third-largest ethnic group. This economic disenfranchisement has led to higher rates of poverty, juvenile delinquency, and social issues within the community, which is a major obstacle for the community and the nation. Unbridled bias The absence of anti-discrimination laws exacerbates these challenges. Despite constitutional guarantees of equality, landlords openly impose racial requirements in rental listings, and language prerequisites are often used as a proxy for ethnic exclusion in job postings. The forced relocation of the Jalan Masjid India Hindu temple reflects a disregard for minority religious heritage. Hindus also report the highest rate of religious-based discrimination at 40%, further alienating them from Malaysia's multicultural ethos. Malaysia lacks anti-racial discrimination laws, which officials claim are unnecessary. This allows discriminatory practices to thrive unchecked. Limited inter-ethnic interaction fosters ignorance and prejudice. Many Malaysians view Indians through stereotypes rather than engaging with their rich cultural heritage. Indian representation in government is less than 4%, half their population percentage. This means their concerns are often sidelined in policymaking. There is no more active, participative or proactive Indian political party. Without the MIC, there is no longer a strong voice in parliament to speak up for the Indian community. Incidents like a corn seller refusing to serve Indians, or derogatory remarks by public figures, perpetuate stereotypes and embolden racist behaviour. The controversy involving three Era FM deejays and tweets on X by @AmirRidhwann on March 5 and March 26 respectively are seen as provocative and racist. They reflect broader societal prejudices that have yet to be addressed. What can be done? As pointed out by several NGOs, we need anti-discrimination laws to prohibit racial racial profiling, discriminatory housing practices, and exclusionary hiring policies. We should penalise hate speech and acts of racism with stricter enforcement mechanisms. Selective enforcement of the law cannot be allowed. On the other hand, there are steps we can take to address the issue. This has been raised frequently but it bears repeating. Increase Indian representation in the public sector through affirmative action programmes. Local authorities and state governments must ensure equitable treatment of minority religious sites through transparent guidelines for land use. Allocate funds for Indian-owned businesses and scholarships for deserving Indian students. Create programmes tailored to teach economically disadvantaged Indian families basic skills to promote greater economic agility among the rural and even urban poor Indians, especially women. Promote understanding among different ethnic and religious groups through frequent interfaith dialogues and cultural events. Such interation must start at school to plant the seed of deep-rooted understanding and appreciation of every race and religion. The national unity ministry should encourage Indian artists, writers, and activists to share stories that challenge stereotypes. Promote success stories of Indians, particularly those whose contributions will help build our nation, be it in science, medicine, the arts, economics, or aerospace. Movies can also be made to promote unity. The youth and sports ministry should get community groups to advocate for Indian participation in sports, youth leadership, language, education, poverty eradication and cultural pursuits. Get the Hindu Youth Organisation, Bell Club and Malaysian Hindu Sangam to join forces, as they did from the 60's to the early 80's, to bring change. With the help of the Malaysian Media Council, the National Union of Journalists, and the Press Club, the communications ministry can shape a culture of reporting that highlights the contributions of Malaysian Indians instead of perpetuating stereotypes. Bigoted and extremist statements continue to come through media channels, underscoring the need for journalists to be aware of sensitivities when writing on racial issues. The ministry of information must take the initiative to produce educational materials that showcase the historical contributions of Indians to Malaysia's development, and this must be included in the school curriculum. We must promote anti-racism campaigns through social media platforms, spearheaded by the MCMC and the unity ministry. These campaigns must be highlighted through all media channels and on social media. The challenges faced by Malaysian Indians are not just an indictment of systemic failures but also a call for collective action. Restoring pride and honour requires meaningful policy reforms, active community engagement, and societal introspection about Malaysia's multicultural identity. The government must lead by example in fostering inclusivity, while Malaysians must embrace diversity as a strength rather than a division. Only then can the nation truly uphold its promise of equality for all citizens. As Malaysia charges forward, embracing inclusivity and tackling systemic inequalities, it is crucial for the Indian community to flourish alongside other ethnic groups. Their story embodies the universal quest to belong in a globalised world, highlighting the power of diversity and unity. Indians are the backbone of our nation, and they are eager to continue contributing to its prosperity — just as they always have. Let's not overlook their vital role in upholding our nation's harmony, prosperity and glory. Ravindran Raman Kutty is an experienced communications and public relations practitioner and has been involved in social activism for over 30 years. The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
Malay Mail
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Queen reminds Malaysians to cherish peace, warns against fuelling racial tensions
KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 — All Malaysians must be grateful for the blessings of unity enjoyed in this country and which must continue to be preserved, says Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia. Her Majesty observed in a reminder to citizens that while many impoverished places around the war-torn world were facing armed conflict that had caused thousands to perish, Malaysia remained fortunate to enjoy peace. 'We should be thankful and grateful for the peace we enjoy. But perhaps because we are not running away from being bombed, we have the time instead to highlight issues which some of us know will create tensions between the different communities which make Malaysia home for all of us. 'May Allah grant peace in our country, and love in our hearts for each other as Malaysians,' said the Queen in a post last night on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar's official Facebook page. In the same post, Raja Zarith Sofiah also shared her previous writing from 2018 regarding the issue of an Indian temple site in Subang Jaya. In that post, Her Majesty expressed her family's sorrow over the passing of the late Tunku Abdul Jalil Sultan Ibrahim and how their grief was compounded by intolerance and misunderstandings between races at that time. Raja Zarith Sofiah also recalled the royal family's close ties with four Malaysian Indians, expressing appreciation for them, namely Datuk Dr Subramanyam Balan and Datuk Dr Singaraveloo; Datuk Sugumaran, a former Aide-de-Camp to the Sultan of Johor, as well as a palace official known as Mohan, who had always been helpful in times of need. 'My husband (His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia) and I have many friends of other races. 'But, for now, while the scrutiny is on Malaysian Indians, it is these four men who I think deserve mention, and a thousand thank-yous from my family,' said Her Majesty in the shared post. — Bernama
The Star
26-04-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Queen: Be grateful for Malaysia's unity
KUALA LUMPUR: All Malaysians must be grateful for the blessings of unity enjoyed in this country and which must continue to be preserved, says Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia. Her Majesty observed in a reminder to citizens that while many impoverished places around the war-torn world were facing armed conflict that had caused thousands to perish, Malaysia remained fortunate to enjoy peace. "We should be thankful and grateful for the peace we enjoy. But perhaps because we are not running away from being bombed, we have the time instead to highlight issues which some of us know will create tensions between the different communities which make Malaysia home for all of us. "May Allah grant peace in our country, and love in our hearts for each other as Malaysians,' said the Queen in a post on Friday on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar's official Facebook page. In the same post, Raja Zarith Sofiah also shared her previous writing from 2018 regarding the issue of an Indian temple site in Subang Jaya. In that post, Her Majesty expressed her family's sorrow over the passing of the late Tunku Abdul Jalil Sultan Ibrahim and how their grief was compounded by intolerance and misunderstandings between races at that time. Raja Zarith Sofiah also recalled the royal family's close ties with four Malaysian Indians, expressing appreciation for them, namely Datuk Dr Subramanyam Balan and Datuk Dr Singaraveloo; Datuk Sugumaran a former Aide-de-Camp to the Sultan of Johor, as well as a palace official known as Mohan, who had always been helpful in times of need. "My husband (His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia) and I have many friends of other races. "But, for now, while the scrutiny is on Malaysian Indians, it is these four men who I think deserve mention, and a thousand thank-yous from my family," said Her Majesty in the shared post.- Bernama
