JULY 18- The Malaysian Indians’ representation in the political main frame has always been a concern and debate since independence.
Being the minority among other races, the Indian community has always harboured a feeling of being left out or neglected from mainstream development that has jumped leaps and bound.
Over the decades there has been dissatisfaction among disgruntled factions on issues pertaining to education, employment, housing, citizenship, and above all opportunities for having a bigger share of the economic pie.
Are we truly fairing that badly indeed; in all honesty at current times? Though not a historian myself, nevertheless a simplistic snapshot of history tells us that our forefathers who migrated from various parts of India to then Malaya were brought in for either manual or clerical works by the British.
Some were part of the armed forces but their numbers were small as compared to other sectors.
Over time, a handful of migrants dared ventured into business and bought lands and other tangible assets as they saved from their earnings.
While others remained in the stagnant pool and just followed the drift of earning an income that was sufficient in those days to feed and clothe a family and more often than not government quarters were provided for shelter.
Now let us fast track to the current day.
Being descendents of the migrant community, the Indians have indeed fared relatively well.
Though this did not come easy, their hard work and perseverance with sustainable motivation has uplifted the community in general.
There is no doubt there are pockets among the Indians that have not been able to keep at par but then who takes the blame? And is this dilemma only faced exclusively by the Indians per se? Let’s call a spade a spade.
It is ironic that the Malaysian Indians are always blaming the government for their own failures.
We have been here for more than a hundred years and still there are some who had underdone themselves but keep shoveling the blame towards policy makers.
It is mind boggling that the Indonesians and Bangladeshis that had indeed just recently in relative to us migrated here for jobs are faring much better compared to some Malaysian Indians.
The question is why and how is that possible? The only rational is that they are more persistent, hard working and diligent to net opportunities that come on their way.
A brittle society
On the other hand we lament, and wait for jobs.
And when we fail to secure, we conveniently blame political leaders and parties citing discrimination, cronyism and nepotism.
In essence, the Indian community must come to realisation that discrimination can only manifest when we self-discriminate and become a society so brittle that it fumbles at the slightest movement of winds.
The current sentiments of “uplifting the Indians” being played by a segment of political personalities indeed is questionable.
Are they really sincere in championing the righteous course or are they merely riding to score political points and favours? It is sad that the Indian community has itself to a certain degree take the blame for many downfalls.
We have “vehemently” worked towards fragmenting our own society and standings.
We have turned to become our own feared enemies.
We have created uncountable Indian-based non-governmental organisations and political parties with each hailing to be the best representative of the Indians.
As if that is not bad enough, we further segregate ourselves to sub-ethnic groups like Tamils, Telegus, Malayalam and Punjabis.
Thus like in any pandemonium, all want to be heard and none want to be second on line. Alas, we only breed a whole lot of noise, bickering and self-annihilation of our primary missions and visions.
There is no doubt the government is trying its very best to meet the demands of the Indians in totality but the ultimatum in making good of any extended gesture lies within our control.
If assistance and guidance are not optimised than no government can make a difference. A ship steers clear of troubled waters when the captain has the mandate to helm its crew.
Lacking leadership
Unfortunately in the midst of having segmented representation, we have no clear leader to captain the Indian community.
Hence we may well be on the road of creating an Indian dilemma for many more years to come if we do not accept and digest this glaring reality.
Having said that– is MIC still relevant amongst all the other Indian-based parties or organisations? Ever since S Samy Vellu stepped down, MIC lost its sole anchor.
Some may not have liked his style of management, but we have to accept the fact that it worked in various aspects. He never once cast a shadow of doubt on his capabilities as a leader.
Sieving out policy making from leadership characteristics, Samy Vellu knew when to strike or retreat.
It may be an opportune time for MIC to get the consultative services from Samy Vellu officially.
With his wisdom, it is certain the younger generation in MIC will be able to harness his aura and charisma.
For a community that is less than 10% of the Malaysian population, we will do much better under one umbrella.
With population growth, our numbers are getting smaller and soon we will be a much tinier minority and political alliances will make no differences.
It is time to regroup for the future.
