Latest news with #Subramaniam
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.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Port Klang tariffs remain competitive, says PKA
KUALA LUMPUR: The Port Klang Authority (PKA) today clarified that its tariff rates will remain among the most competitive in the region. Its general manager, K Subramaniam, said that even after the staggered increases are fully implemented in 2027, Port Klang's tariffs will still be between 5.0 per cent and 185 per cent lower than those of other ASEAN ports. Refuting claims by several parties regarding the recent tariff revision, Subramaniam said Port Klang's overall cost competitiveness reinforces its strategic role as the preferred logistics and transshipment hub for global logistics and distribution centres. 'In Port Klang's latest tariff revision, a comprehensive benchmarking exercise was conducted against neighbouring and regional ports. Despite the revision, Port Klang's tariff rates will remain among the most competitive in the region. 'The overall cost competitiveness reinforces Port Klang's strategic positioning as the preferred logistics and transshipment hub for global logistics and distribution centres,' said Subramaniam in a statement on Monday (June 16). He clarified that it was incorrect to assume all container volumes in Port Klang would be subject to the full increase, as this ignores key factors such as phased implementation, free storage periods, and the fact that a significant portion of cargo is transshipment, which is priced differently. He added that the last tariff review was conducted a decade ago, and storage rates have remained unchanged for nearly six decades. Subramaniam said that at just RM4 per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU), the storage rate has remained unchanged since 1966. This has been a major contributor to yard congestion, as the port has been used as a low-cost, long-term storage option, leading to inefficient use of terminal facilities. He said the revised charges are aimed at improving cargo turnaround by discouraging long-term storage and easing yard congestion, thereby enhancing operational efficiency. To this end, Subramaniam noted that port users who move containers within the free storage period would not be affected by the targeted increases. 'The revised rates consider contemporary logistics solutions within the supply chain and support responsible storage usage in the ports, thereby facilitating more productive and efficient operations,' he added. Far from undermining Malaysia's competitiveness, he said the tariff revision is designed to strengthen Port Klang's position as a regional logistics hub by enabling continued investment in capacity, technology and sustainability. This will ultimately benefit manufacturers, exporters and importers, and advance Malaysia's trade ecosystem. 'The Port Klang tariff revision is a measured and necessary step to ensure long-term service quality, operational efficiency and infrastructure readiness. 'Before the tariff was approved, a comprehensive and detailed study was undertaken. As a result, the quantum of the rate increase was reduced and implemented through a staggered three-year plan,' he said. In response to concerns that the revision would significantly raise consumer goods prices, PKA clarified that port charges represent only a small fraction of the total cost to consumers. 'Typically, a 20-foot container carrying 20 tonnes of cargo will see an increase in handling charges of just 0.45 sen per kilogram,' he added.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Port Klang tariff remains competitive in region, says PKA chief
KUALA LUMPUR: The Port Klang Authority (PKA) today clarified that its tariff rates will remain among the most competitive in the region. Its general manager, K Subramaniam, said that even after the staggered increases are fully implemented in 2027, Port Klang's tariffs will still be between 5.0 per cent and 185 per cent lower than those of other ASEAN ports. Refuting claims by several parties regarding the recent tariff revision, Subramaniam said Port Klang's overall cost competitiveness reinforces its strategic role as the preferred logistics and transshipment hub for global logistics and distribution centres. 'In Port Klang's latest tariff revision, a comprehensive benchmarking exercise was conducted against neighbouring and regional ports. Despite the revision, Port Klang's tariff rates will remain among the most competitive in the region. 'The overall cost competitiveness reinforces Port Klang's strategic positioning as the preferred logistics and transshipment hub for global logistics and distribution centres,' said Subramaniam in a statement on Monday (June 16). He clarified that it was incorrect to assume all container volumes in Port Klang would be subject to the full increase, as this ignores key factors such as phased implementation, free storage periods, and the fact that a significant portion of cargo is transshipment, which is priced differently. He added that the last tariff review was conducted a decade ago, and storage rates have remained unchanged for nearly six decades. Subramaniam said that at just RM4 per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU), the storage rate has remained unchanged since 1966. This has been a major contributor to yard congestion, as the port has been used as a low-cost, long-term storage option, leading to inefficient use of terminal facilities. He said the revised charges are aimed at improving cargo turnaround by discouraging long-term storage and easing yard congestion, thereby enhancing operational efficiency. To this end, Subramaniam noted that port users who move containers within the free storage period would not be affected by the targeted increases. 'The revised rates consider contemporary logistics solutions within the supply chain and support responsible storage usage in the ports, thereby facilitating more productive and efficient operations,' he added. Far from undermining Malaysia's competitiveness, he said the tariff revision is designed to strengthen Port Klang's position as a regional logistics hub by enabling continued investment in capacity, technology and sustainability. This will ultimately benefit manufacturers, exporters and importers, and advance Malaysia's trade ecosystem. 'The Port Klang tariff revision is a measured and necessary step to ensure long-term service quality, operational efficiency and infrastructure readiness. 'Before the tariff was approved, a comprehensive and detailed study was undertaken. As a result, the quantum of the rate increase was reduced and implemented through a staggered three-year plan,' he said. In response to concerns that the revision would significantly raise consumer goods prices, PKA clarified that port charges represent only a small fraction of the total cost to consumers. 'Typically, a 20-foot container carrying 20 tonnes of cargo will see an increase in handling charges of just 0.45 sen per kilogram,' he added.
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Port Klang tariffs remain competitive regionally, says PKA chief
KUALA LUMPUR: The Port Klang Authority (PKA) on Monday (June 16) clarified that its tariff rates will remain among the most competitive in the region. General manager K. Subramaniam said that even after the staggered increases are fully implemented in 2027, Port Klang's tariffs will still be between 5.0% and 185% lower than those of other Asean ports. Refuting claims by several parties regarding the recent tariff revision, Subramaniam said Port Klang's overall cost competitiveness reinforces its strategic role as the preferred logistics and transshipment hub for global logistics and distribution centres. "In Port Klang's latest tariff revision, a comprehensive benchmarking exercise was conducted against neighbouring and regional ports. Despite the revision, Port Klang's tariff rates will remain among the most competitive in the region. "The overall cost competitiveness reinforces Port Klang's strategic positioning as the preferred logistics and transshipment hub for global logistics and distribution centres," said Subramaniam in a statement Monday. He clarified that it was incorrect to assume all container volumes in Port Klang would be subject to the full increase, as this ignores key factors such as phased implementation, free storage periods, and the fact that a significant portion of cargo is transshipment, which is priced differently. He added that the last tariff review was conducted a decade ago, and storage rates have remained unchanged for nearly six decades. Subramaniam said that at just RM4 per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU), the storage rate has remained unchanged since 1966. This has been a major contributor to yard congestion, as the port has been used as a low-cost, long-term storage option, leading to inefficient use of terminal facilities. He said the revised charges are aimed at improving cargo turnaround by discouraging long-term storage and easing yard congestion, thereby enhancing operational efficiency. To this end, Subramaniam noted that port users who move containers within the free storage period would not be affected by the targeted increases. "The revised rates consider contemporary logistics solutions within the supply chain and support responsible storage usage in the ports, thereby facilitating more productive and efficient operations," he added. Far from undermining Malaysia's competitiveness, he said the tariff revision is designed to strengthen Port Klang's position as a regional logistics hub by enabling continued investment in capacity, technology and sustainability. This will ultimately benefit manufacturers, exporters and importers, and advance Malaysia's trade ecosystem. "The Port Klang tariff revision is a measured and necessary step to ensure long-term service quality, operational efficiency and infrastructure readiness. "Before the tariff was approved, a comprehensive and detailed study was undertaken. As a result, the quantum of the rate increase was reduced and implemented through a staggered three-year plan," he said. In response to concerns that the revision would significantly raise consumer goods prices, PKA clarified that port charges represent only a small fraction of the total cost to consumers. "Typically, a 20-foot container carrying 20 tonnes of cargo will see an increase in handling charges of just 0.45 sen per kilogramme," he added. - Bernama
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Arif Aiman proves locals can still shine, says ex-Harimau
KUALA LUMPUR: Former national defender S. Subramaniam has hailed Arif Aiman Hanapi as the gold standard for Malaysian-born players striving to make their mark amid the flood of imports and naturalised stars in local football. Rather than seeing the influx as a threat, Subramaniam views it as a challenge and a wake-up call for local talent to raise their game. "During my time, the competition wasn't as fierce. Now, players are up against 15 imports per team and more naturalised players in the national squad. But that's no excuse," said Subramaniam, who won seven caps for Malaysia between 2008 and 2012. "Just look at Arif Aiman, he's the benchmark. He's shown that local boys can still lead the national team." The Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) star stole the show in Harimau Malaya's 4-0 thrashing of Vietnam in the Asian Cup qualifiers last week, underlining his status as the face of Harimau Malaya. Still only 23, Arif has delivered consistently over the past few seasons. In the 2024-2025 Asian Champions League Elite, he notched five goals and two assists in 10 appearances. On the domestic front, he racked up 15 goals and 13 assists and was named M-League Most Valuable Player for a fourth time. Subramaniam, who was part of Kelantan's golden era with back-to-back league titles in 2011 and 2012 and Malaysia Cup wins in 2010 and 2012, believes Arif's rise is proof the grassroots system still works if managed properly. "Four-time MVP, still so young, and delivering season after season, and this is no fluke," he said. "It shows that our development pipeline can still produce stars if done right." Now coaching at Melaka FC, Subramaniam urged young Malaysians to stop making excuses and start grinding. "It's all about mindset and discipline. You've got to put in double the work, be brave, and take on challenges head-on. The chances might be fewer, but they're still there."
