Let 13th M'sia Plan deliver justice to Indian Malaysians
The community continues to be sidelined in national development despite decades of contributions to this country.
As the government prepares to introduce the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), it is imperative to recognise that the Indian community has been consistently neglected in national policies.
For decades, the needs and struggles of the Indian community have been systematically overlooked, and even dedicated efforts such as the Malaysian Indian Blueprint remain nothing more than a document without real action or implementation.
Time and again, promises of inclusivity, equality, and shared prosperity have failed to translate into meaningful change for the Indian community, leaving many trapped in cycles of poverty, educational disadvantage, limited economic opportunities, and rising social challenges.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Kulim airport will complement, not compete with Penang, says Kedah councillor
KUALA KETIL: The state government will press for the inclusion of the Kulim International Airport (KXP) project in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), describing it as crucial not only for Kedah, but also for the nation. State Industry and Investment Committee chairman Dr Haim Hilman Abdullah said the state's vision for a dedicated cargo airport was not intended to compete with Penang, but to complement it while positioning Kedah as a hub for northern regional development. "However, the federal government still views this project as if it is solely for Kedah, when in fact, we see it as a catalyst for northern regional development covering Kedah, Perlis, Penang and northern Perak. "This is a large and high-potential region that deserves federal support," he said at a press conference after a town hall with the Kedah State Development Corporation (PKNK) and industrial players here. Also present was PKNK chief executive officer Datuk Isahak Murat. Haim said the state's push for the project was within national interest. "Kedah is not just for Kedah, Kedah is for Malaysia. We hope the federal government can see the strategic position of the state in becoming an industrial development hub supported by infrastructure such as this cargo airport." He said six of the eight requirements for the project had been met, with only two outstanding, namely, obtaining the aerodrome licence and securing the airport's inclusion in the National Aerospace Strategic Plan. The state government, he added, had also submitted other proposals to Putrajaya for consideration in 13MP. "Many projects, whether related to logistics such as roads, airports and ports, or other aspects of economic development in Kedah, need to be prioritised and expedited," he said. In the town hall, Haim said the issues raised by industrial players were matters that could be addressed through the involvement and commitment of the relevant agencies. "This initiative by PKNK is commendable. The most important step after this session is to compile the list of issues and channel them to the relevant agencies. From there, we will obtain feedback on the timeframe for resolving these matters," he added.
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
India wants US ties based on mutual respect, says its arms purchases are on course
FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shake hands as they attend a joint press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 13, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo NEW DELHI (Reuters) -India said on Thursday that it hoped relations with the United States would move forward based on mutual respect and shared interests, seeking to temper worries that ties were headed downhill in the aftermath of high tariffs imposed by Washington. A U.S. defence policy team will be in New Delhi this month for talks with Indian officials and its arms purchases from the U.S. are on course despite the strain in ties, the Indian foreign ministry said. A new friendship built between the two countries has hit a rough patch after President Donald Trump raised tariffs on Indian goods to 50% last week from an earlier 25% saying it was a penalty for India's continued imports of Russian oil. New Delhi has accused the U.S. of double standards in singling it out for Russian oil imports and called the tariffs unfair, unjustified and unreasonable. At the same time, it has also indicated that the warming of ties that began at the turn of the century covers a wide range of areas and should not be seen only through the prism of trade, although it hopes that trade talks will continue and result in a deal. "This partnership has weathered several transitions and we hope that the relationship will continue to move forward based on mutual respect and shared interests," Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told a regular media briefing. Purchases of military equipment from Washington were on course, Jaiswal said, adding that a U.S. defence policy team was expected in Delhi this month. Reuters reported last week that India has put on hold its plans to procure new U.S. weapons and aircraft and that a planned trip to Washington by the Indian defence minister had been cancelled. The Indian government subsequently said reports of a pause in the talks were wrong. (Reporting by Shivam Patel and Tanvi Mehta; Writing by YP Rajesh, Editing by William Maclean, Alexandra Hudson)
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
India and China eye resumption of border trade
NEW DELHI: India and China are discussing resuming border trade five years after it was halted, foreign ministry officials on both sides have said, as US tariffs disrupt the global trade order. Past trade between the neighbours across the icy and high-altitude Himalayan border passes was usually small in volume, but any resumption is significant for its symbolism. The two major economic powers have long competed for strategic influence across South Asia. However, the two countries, caught in global trade and geopolitical turbulence triggered by US President Donald Trump's tariff regime, have moved to mend ties. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is expected for talks in New Delhi on Monday (Aug 11), according to Indian media, after his counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar visited Beijing in July. That, as well as agreements to resume direct flights and issue tourist visas, has been seen as an effort to rebuild a relationship damaged after a deadly 2020 border clash between troops. "For a long time, China-India border trade cooperation has played an important role in improving the lives of people living along the border," China's foreign ministry said in a statement sent to AFP on Thursday. It said the two sides have "reached a consensus on cross-border exchanges and cooperation, including resumption of border trade". New Delhi's junior foreign minister, Kirti Vardhan Singh, told parliament last week that "India has engaged with the Chinese side to facilitate the resumption of border trade". No restart date was given by either side. - 'Transitions and challenges' - Successive US administrations have seen India as a longstanding ally with like-minded interests when it comes to China. India is part of the Quad security alliance with the United States, as well as Australia and Japan. However, ties between New Delhi and Washington have been strained by Trump's ultimatum for India to end its purchases of Russian oil, a key source of revenue for Moscow as it wages its military offensive in Ukraine. The United States will double new import tariffs on India from 25 percent to 50 percent by August 27 if New Delhi does not switch crude suppliers. Indian foreign ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal told reporters on Thursday that the partnership between New Delhi and Washington had "weathered several transitions and challenges". Jaiswal said India hoped that the "relationship will continue to move forward based on mutual respect and shared interests". He said India "stands ready" to support the efforts to end the Ukraine war and endorses the summit to be held between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to Indian media, might also visit China in late August. It would be Modi's first visit since 2018, although it has not been confirmed officially. Beijing has said that "China welcomes Prime Minister Modi" for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit opening on August 31. - AFP
