Need For Unity Among Indian Community Post Ge15

---

 



The Indian community in Malaysia has experienced a prolonged cycle of political pledges followed by disillusionment over several decades.
In the wake of the 15th general election and the establishment of the Madani government, feelings of alienation within this community have intensified.
The unprecedented failure to appoint a Tamil-speaking minister since Malaysia’s independence has exacerbated feelings of betrayal.
Many within the Indian community perceive themselves as increasingly marginalised, often viewed as instruments for achieving the political ambitions of national leaders, particularly given their crucial contributions to coalition victories in previous elections.
ADSThis sentiment of disillusionment is further underscored by the absence of substantial benefits or empowerment for the community following GE15.
This article is divided into two parts. The first section will examine the sentiments of the Indian community, which perceives a sense of betrayal by their leaders following GE15.
The absence of a Tamil-speaking minister, coupled with the Madani government’s inability to effectively tackle issues pertinent to the Indian populace, exacerbates feelings of alienation.
Furthermore, the MIC’s antiquated “closed-door” strategy further distances voters from the party.
Indian community’s role in GE15
During GE15, the Indian community, especially those residing in urban and rural areas including estates, played a critical role in influencing the election’s results.
Their votes were instrumental in enabling certain parties to achieve electoral success. However, despite their significant contributions, a considerable number of Indian voters found themselves dissatisfied with the election outcomes.
Although some opposition leaders, including those from DAP and PKR, made promises of meaningful reforms, the anticipated sense of political empowerment for the Indian community has not materialised post-GE15.
The Madani government, which emerged from the Pakatan Harapan coalition after GE15, has yet to demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing the concerns of the Indian community.
The community’s aspirations for enhanced representation were dashed by the notable absence of a Tamil-speaking minister, signalling a lack of prioritisation of their needs.
This historic oversight marks the first instance since Malaysia’s independence where no Tamil-speaking minister occupies a cabinet position, highlighting the broader issue of the Indian community’s marginalisation within the national political framework.
Failure to respond to Indian concerns
ADSThe recent Madani administration has been met with growing discontent due to its failure to implement effective policies aimed at resolving the socio-economic challenges faced by the Indian community.
Persistent challenges, including poverty, disparities in education, employment opportunities, and the enrolment of Indian students in public universities, along with issues related to matriculation and the allocation of Tamil schools, continue to be insufficiently addressed.
Additionally, the lack of proper representation in the civil service constitutes another significant concern.
Although the government’s overarching reform initiatives focus on enhancing transparency, combating corruption, and promoting unity, these efforts have not translated into meaningful improvements for the Indian community, where it is most needed.
The absence of a Tamil-speaking minister serves as a poignant illustration of this systemic neglect. Without a representative voice for the Tamil-speaking demographic, their unique concerns ranging from educational access and language rights to the availability of government services are frequently disregarded.
This situation is particularly concerning given the evolving landscape of a diverse and politically aware electorate, wherein ethnic communities are increasingly unwilling to accept political pledges without accountability.
Indian leaders’ compromise with power
Indian political leaders affiliated with the Madani government, including representatives from DAP and PKR, pledged to enhance representation and progress for the Indian community.
Nevertheless, the actual outcomes have been markedly different. There is an increasing sentiment that these leaders have prioritised their political ambitions over the genuine needs of their community.
The lack of a Tamil-speaking minister and the absence of meaningful policies aimed at benefiting the community raise significant questions regarding the true priorities of these leaders.
This scenario fosters a feeling of being “exploited” rather than authentically represented. While Indian leaders have attained positions of influence, the community has not reaped the rewards of these political partnerships.
For many within the Indian community, it appears that their significance was acknowledged only during election periods when their votes were crucial for empowering national figures. Now that the elections have concluded, they feel overlooked.
This perception of being used for political objectives without receiving tangible benefits has resulted in widespread frustration and disillusionment.
MIC’s inability to lead
The MIC, which historically served as the primary political entity for Indian interests in Malaysia, has perpetuated a leadership style characterised by exclusivity.
This conventional method, which prioritises the interests of a select elite and political coalitions, has exacerbated the estrangement of the Indian community.
The party’s inability to evolve in response to the shifting political dynamics, particularly following the GE14 and GE15, has rendered it increasingly disconnected from the aspirations of the average Indian Malaysian.
The trend of Indian voters gravitating towards the Harapan coalition and other political parties in recent elections highlights MIC’s diminishing sway within the Indian electorate.
Despite this decline, MIC persists in projecting itself as a pivotal force in Indian political affairs. Its continued reliance on a self-serving leadership framework alienates a significant portion of the community.
Moreover, the lack of substantial Indian representation in ministerial positions within the Madani government further diminishes MIC’s significance and illustrates its shortcomings in effectively championing the interests of the Indian populace. - Mkini
R PANEIR SELVAM is the principal consultant of Arunachala Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd, a think tank specialising in strategic national and geo-political matters.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.

---