The Malaysian Indian Business Association (Miba) expressed disappointment with the newly unveiled 10th Malaysian Plan (10MP) today, claiming that it does not address the problems faced by the Indian community. Saying that there is nothing much in the 10MP to enhance the economic position of the Indians, MIBA president Sivakumar S Packirisamy said the mere extension of funds to Tamil schools and Tekun Nasional funds through the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) is not going to create any major impact on the lives of the Indians.
“Channelling of funds can be regarded as a social obligation rather than an affirmative plan to (help) the community,” he added.“Contrary to the encouraging words expressed by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak of doing more for the Indians, there are virtually very little efforts to improve the economic status of the Indians,” he said. Sivakumar lamented that the Indian community will remain largely a socially and economically backward community by 2020, if the government does not formulate an affirmative plan to uplift the community's economic status. “In the 8th Malaysian Plan, there was a mention of at least 3 percent of equity ownership to the Indians as a policy. The government could have capitalised on it and explored sincere opportunities for the economic growth of the Indians,” he added. The provision for 3 percent Indian equity continued in the 9th MP, but no mention is made in the 10MP.
Non-bumi status 'detrimental'
He said the biggest setback for the Indians in the pre-New Economic Policy (NEP) period in 1970, was the creation of the term 'non-bumiputera' grouping the Indians along with the economically progressive Chinese.
“This has proved detrimental to the Indians, both in social and economic placing, as the Indians were similarly in the worst of economic positions (along with) the Malays, with only 1 percent of equity ownership,” he said. Sivakumar also said that overall, the 10MP at the macro level faces challenges both internally and externally. In a separate development, Sivakumar also called on the Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI) president Kenneth Eswaran to stop claiming that the overall Indian business community is in favour of the government's 10MP. “This could send a wrong message to the government as they will assume the five-year plan is warmly welcomed by all,” he said.
He was referring to a report in The Star on June 12 where Eswaran claimed that the Malaysian Indian business community fully supported the government's efforts in driving the nation to greater heights. The prime minister unveiled his 10MP on June 10, with plans to cut subsidies and accelerate investment, but outlined few measures to boost competitiveness. The grandiose plan drew mixed reviews from analysts and critics.
Source : http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/134508
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