PERAI, MAY 28- Unemployment among Indians is one of the major concerns of Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy (photo).
Now into his second term, the DAP leader said he will create more job opportunities for Indians in town councils, Penang Hill Corporation and other state government owned councils.
“We are expecting more foreign investors in Penang and these investors are interested in Penang due to transparency and it is free of corruption,” Ramasamy told FMT in an exclusive interview.
“Through this, more employment opportunities will be created and Indians could benefit from it,” he added.
According to Ramasamy. the two councils in Penang are also looking into engaging direct employees instead of contractors.
“Through engaging direct employees, we could ensure no contractors are cutting corners. Besides creating more employment opportunities, this would also be cost effective.
“Foreigners are reduced if direct employees are engaged and no cronies are be involved in contracts like how it has been done previously before Pakatan took over,” he added.
Apart from unemployment, Ramasamy said that business opportunities are also available as the state practices an open tender system.
“Some Indians in Penang are given government tenders for state projects. This is a clear result of a transparent government,” he added.
Ramasamy said that 80% of the Indians voted for Pakatan in the 13th general election and this demonstrated their confidence in the state government.
“Now it is our turn to deliver the promises we made to the voters and to do whatever we could within the state government’s jurisdiction,” added the Perai state assemblyman.
Ramasamy won the seat with a majority of 7,959 votes against his opponent from MIC, L Krishnan and Independent Mohd Ridhwan.
The academic is the first Malaysian Indian to hold the deputy chief minister’s post.
