Indians Need Affirmative Action Not Blueprints

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From Ravindran Raman Kutty
For decades, Malaysian Indians have played a vital role in the nation’s development, contributing significantly to the economy, education, and cultural diversity.
From laying the foundations of the nation’s railroads and plantations to excelling in professional fields such as medicine, law and engineering, the Indian community’s contributions are undeniable. Yet, despite their achievements and sacrifices, a large portion of the community remains socioeconomically disadvantaged.
It is imperative that the government transition from launching hollow blueprints to implementing meaningful affirmative action that delivers real change.
Over the years, various blueprints have been introduced to address the challenges faced by the community. However, the results have been inconsistent and underwhelming, leaving many Indians still grappling with poverty and limited opportunities.
Currently, 35% of Indian households fall into the relative poverty category, earning less than RM3,000 monthly. Despite this stark reality, the blueprints have largely failed to produce tangible outcomes.
Key initiatives and shortcomings
The Special Task Force for the Indian Community (STFIC)Introduced during Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s tenure, the STFIC aimed to resolve issues related to citizenship, housing, and education. While it made some progress, especially in addressing documentation issues, the lack of sustained follow-through undermined its effectiveness.
The Ninth Malaysia Plan – 2006Under prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the Ninth Malaysia Plan acknowledged the need for targeted assistance to marginalised communities, including Indians. However, its broad-based policies produced little direct benefit for the Indian community.
The Indian Community Action Plan – 2010An initiative under prime minister Najib Razak, this plan focused on improving housing and employment opportunities for Indians. However, it lacked adequate funding and clear monitoring mechanisms, resulting in minimal impact.
The Malaysian Indian Blueprint (MIB) – 2017Another initiative under Najib’s leadership, the MIB aimed to address poverty, education, and unemployment within the Indian community. While it identified critical issues and outlined comprehensive solutions, its implementation was inconsistent. For instance, the promise to increase Indian enrolment in public universities to 7% remains unfulfilled, leaving many deserving students without access to higher education.
These blueprints were often launched with much fanfare but failed to deliver meaningful change due to:
Insufficient funding for proposed initiatives.A lack of clear accountability and monitoring mechanisms.Reliance on government agencies that lacked expertise or commitment.Being sidelined whenever a new government took office.While these initiatives were well-intentioned, their limited success underscores the urgent need to shift from planning to action.
Affirmative action: a concrete path forward
The Indian community no longer needs promises in the form of blueprints. Instead, they require affirmative actions – tangible, measurable efforts that address immediate and long-term issues.
EducationTamil primary schools serve as a cornerstone for Indian education, yet many remain underfunded and poorly equipped. Affirmative action must prioritise upgrading these schools by providing adequate funding, modern facilities, and qualified teachers. Furthermore, scholarships and quotas for Indian students in public universities should be allocated with transparent selection processes to ensure fairness.
To address the urbanisation of the community, which now sees more than 90% of Indians residing in urban areas, the government should mandate that developers build Tamil schools in new urban housing areas.
For example, developers like Labu Sendayan in Seremban have set a positive precedent by constructing schools in their developments. Enacting state-level laws to make this practice compulsory would ensure equitable access to education for urban Indian children.
EmploymentA significant number of Malaysian Indians are employed in low-paying jobs, such as plantation work or urban logistics. With an unemployment rate of 4.1% – higher than the national average of 3.3% – Indians face systemic barriers in securing stable and well-paying jobs.
Affirmative action should focus on:
Expanding vocational training programmes through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).Creating job placement initiatives in partnership with industries.Increasing the representation of Indians in the civil service, government-linked companies (GLCs) and the armed forces.Historically, Indians have excelled in the police force, yet intake into law enforcement and other security agencies has stagnated. Indians, especially retirees, are now being employed as security guards. The government must commit to increasing recruitment, backed by clear timelines, measurable targets and closely monitored by a task force.
Another area of concern is the underrepresentation of Indians in government jobs. Although senior civil servants from the Public Services Department often cite a lack of applications from the Indian community, the issue stems from inadequate outreach and awareness.
Leveraging the extensive reach of Indian-focused radio stations can bridge this gap. By broadcasting job vacancies and career opportunities, these platforms can foster trust and encourage greater participation in public service roles.
EntrepreneurshipIndian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) frequently struggle to secure financing and business opportunities. Dedicated microfinance schemes, grants, and business training programs are essential to empower Indian entrepreneurs.
The government’s Tekun Nasional special scheme for Indians is a step in the right direction but requires better outreach and expansion to ensure wider participation. Additionally, the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) must receive adequate funding and oversight to facilitate impactful programmes.
Indian contractors also face challenges in penetrating the competitive government project sector. Policies must be revised to ensure fair access and opportunities for Indian contractors, fostering greater inclusivity in national development.
HousingMany Indian families, particularly former plantation workers, live in substandard housing or informal settlements. Urban Indians often struggle to afford decent homes, leaving them marginalised within city landscapes.
The government should introduce discounted housing schemes for Indians in areas with a high Indian population. These initiatives should include access to clean water, electricity, healthcare, and other basic amenities. A focused housing strategy would not only uplift the Indian community but also improve the overall urban landscape.
The cost of inaction
Neglecting the Indian community’s challenges will have far-reaching consequences for Malaysia’s social cohesion and economic stability. Marginalised communities are more likely to experience higher rates of poverty, crime, and social unrest – issues that can ripple across the nation.
Investing in the upliftment of the Indian community is both a moral imperative and an economic necessity. A well-integrated and empowered Indian community can contribute even more significantly to nation-building, strengthening Malaysia’s position as a harmonious and prosperous multiethnic society.
A call to action
The time for blueprints and empty promises has passed. The Indian community requires affirmative actions that are well-funded, measurable and sustainable. These actions must be grounded in accountability and transparency to ensure long-term success.
The government has a unique opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to inclusivity and equality. By addressing the systemic barriers faced by the community, Malaysia can pave the way for a more equitable society where every citizen, regardless of ethnicity, has an equal chance to succeed.
The future of Malaysia lies in its ability to embrace diversity and uplift all its communities. Let us move beyond rhetoric and take decisive action to ensure that the Indian community, which has given so much to the nation, receives the support it deserves. - FMT
Ravindran Raman Kutty is a communications expert. He is also an FMT reader.
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.

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