All Indian lawmakers must fight for community's needs

Malaysiakini

09-07-2025

MP SPEAKS | As the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) moves towards tabling in Parliament, we must recognise that this moment is crucial for the Indian community.
Under the Madani government, there have been sincere efforts to address historical and structural challenges faced by Indian Malaysians.
Through the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra), educational support, temple land assistance, skills training, and targeted community programmes, the government has shown its intention to include the Indian agenda in national development.
These efforts are commendable. They show progress. But we must be honest. Progress without structure, without consistency, and without accountability will not deliver real transformation.
The Indian community needs more than temporary programmes and token allocations. It needs a permanent place within the national policy framework.
As the Klang MP, I have consistently raised these concerns at every available platform, including inside Parliament, in government discussions, and at the grassroots.
I have highlighted the underrepresentation of Indians in higher education, the lack of upward mobility among Indian youth, the need for proper land solutions for temples and crematoriums, and the limited access to funding and training for small Indian businesses.
But I say this with clarity and conviction. I cannot and should not be the only voice.
I call upon all Indian parliamentarians from all political affiliations to stand up in Parliament and review the 13MP thoroughly when it is tabled.
If the Indian community is underrepresented or its needs are vaguely mentioned, we must not keep quiet. We must speak with strength, clarity, and unity.
This is not about attacking the government. It is about defending the people we represent.
Emulate Saravanan
I want to specifically acknowledge the strong and consistent voice of Tapah MP M Saravanan.
Although he does not hold a cabinet position, he continues to be one of the most vocal defenders of Indian community interests.
M Saravanan (left) meeting the people during an event when he was human resources minister circa 2022
His commitment shows that you do not need a ministerial title to fight for your people. You need will and courage.
Every Indian MP must match that level of commitment. The time to wait and see is over. Our community is watching us. They are waiting for leadership, not excuses.
I also urge Indian senators, appointed representatives, and leaders in government-linked agencies to study the 13MP carefully and to speak up if anything is missing.
We cannot continue to be comfortable in our positions while our community remains at the margins of development.
What to include in 13MP
The Indian community deserves strong and lasting solutions, including:
Fair and equitable access to education and skills training
Legal and permanent land solutions for temples and burial grounds
Structured participation in the digital economy and TVET pipelines
⁠Tailored microcredit and entrepreneurship support for Indian businesses
Targeted youth and women empowerment programmes
Representation of Indian professionals in national decision-making bodies
Transparent monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to ensure delivery
If these are not fully reflected in the 13MP, we must demand they be added through follow-up mechanisms, amendments, and budget frameworks.
Parliamentary debate is not a formality. It is our chance to shape the national direction.
We acknowledge the government's commitment. But commitment must now be matched with results. And those results must be fought for, not just by one or two MPs, but by every Indian elected representative in Parliament.
Let the 13MP be remembered as the moment when Indian MPs stood united for the future of our community. Because silence is no longer an option.
Our people have waited long enough.
V GANABATIRAU is the Klang MP.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.