
Controversy brews over Nurul Izzah's ‘silent' efforts for Indian community
It drew criticism from MIC deputy president M Saravanan, who has demanded proof of her efforts to support the community.
Now, the Member of Parliament for Batu, P Prabakaran has offered to mediate by proposing a roundtable to try to resolve the conflict.
Explaining her point, Nurul Izzah said, 'For the longest time, I have chosen to work quietly because I believe in substance before spectacle.'
On Thursday, she insisted that her silence does not equate to inaction. She cited year-long roundtables with economists, civil society groups, and community leaders that developed proposals including technical training hubs, preschool education policies, and entrepreneurship incubators under the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
However, Saravanan has challenged her claims, demanding proof of concrete outcomes.
'So, we ask Nurul Izzah, if you are indeed working for the community, please start by disclosing what has been done or proposed on the matriculation intake issue. Let the Indian community see for themselves whether your silent efforts have translated into real, visible outcomes,' Saravanan said.
He warned against repeating MIC's past mistake of remaining silent on community demands during BN's rule.
'MIC has submitted an eight-point agenda for the 13th Malaysia Plan, outlining clear and measurable reforms to address long-standing challenges faced by the Indian community,' Saravanan added.
Amid the clash, P Prabakaran has offered to mediate by proposing a roundtable involving the government, opposition, civil society, and Indian community leaders to 'objectively evaluate existing objectives and policies' and form inclusive solutions.
P Prabakaran said finger-pointing was not constructive, and that a more mature approach was required.
'As such, I propose a roundtable be held soon,' he said in a statement yesterday. Prabakaran said, adding that a joint forum could resolve tensions threatening Madani government unity. —July 6, 2025
Main image: Bernama

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Sun
33 minutes ago
- The Sun
Implement inclusive, accountable 13MP
G25 MALAYSIA welcomes the release of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) (2026–2030), which outlines a clear medium-term vision for Malaysia's transition to a developed, high-income nation by the end of this decade. With GDP continuing to grow and per capita income rising steadily, Malaysia is well positioned to make this leap. However, to achieve the desired objectives, the plan must include the necessary institutional and human rights reforms to meet the rising expectations among the new generation of Malaysians. Moreover, the strength of any plan lies not just in its vision but in the consistency of its implementation. Without clear political will – particularly to eradicate systemic corruption – and sustained coordination, there is a real risk of a disconnect between policy intent and outcomes on the ground. Malaysia's ambition to become a high-income, innovation-driven economy must be underpinned by policies that develop and retain talent while preventing the deepening of socioeconomic inequalities. In this context, G25 is concerned by the growing commercialisation of public services in the name of 'financial sustainability', such as increasing direct intakes into public universities and the privatisation of public healthcare through initiatives like Rakan KKM. This risks creating new socioeconomic divides, not based on race or religion, but between those who can afford access and those who cannot. This could mean that deserving Malaysians will miss out on university places while wealthier foreign applicants gain entry or that poorer patients in public hospitals wait longer while fee-paying patients are prioritised. In this regard, we are violating the equality provisions as enshrined in Article 8 (equality before the law) and Article 12 (equality in the administration of education) of the Federal Constitution. The government must not lose sight of regional disparities in development, especially in the east coast and East Malaysia. As we move towards high-income status, inclusive growth must mean shared prosperity across all states, not just in the urban and industrial heartlands. The 13MP must be accompanied by meaningful reforms in federal-state relations, as mandated by the spirit of federalism, to ensure that resource allocation, infrastructure investment and fiscal transfers reflect not only population size or political alignment but also developmental needs and long-term equity. Economic advancement must be accompanied by greater freedom of expression, good governance and respect for constitutional rights; otherwise, resentment may grow and be exploited by extremists. G25 believes that civil society has an essential role in shaping national discourse on language, race, religion and human rights. The government should embrace and encourage open dialogues, even when views are critical, so long as they are conducted in a civil manner and do not incite hatred or violence. Public trust in the government is strengthened when dissent is not feared but welcomed and when democratic institutions demonstrate their independence and integrity. We further urge the government to maintain its commitment to constitutional democracy, good governance and the Rule of Law, with Parliament as the supreme law-making body and an independent judiciary. The Federal Constitution clearly defines Malaysia as a secular democracy with Islam as the religion of the Federation, whilst other religions may be practised in peace and harmony. No state governments should enact laws that contradict these foundational principles. Any such actions must be subject to Parliamentary oversight and judicial review to ensure national unity and legal consistency. In reaffirming the supremacy of the Federal Constitution, Malaysia must ensure that no state unilaterally undermines our democratic fabric or causes confusion over the country's future direction. By demonstrating maturity, tolerance and a commitment to reform, Malaysia can gain greater international confidence, whether from investors, tourists or global institutions. Aligning our economic trajectory with shared democratic values will elevate our standing on the world stage. G25 remains hopeful that with growing political maturity and principled leadership, the 13MP will not only achieve its growth and sectoral targets but will also bring about a more just, inclusive and democratic Malaysia.


The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Putin, Modi to meet in Delhi by end of year, Russian embassy official says
FILE PHOTO: Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia October 22, 2024. Alexander Zemlianichenko/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo


The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
China India resume flights as Wang Yi visit ends
BEIJING: China and India have pledged to resume direct flights between the two nations in a significant diplomatic development. The announcement came as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi concluded his official visit to New Delhi on Wednesday. This breakthrough forms part of broader efforts to normalize relations between the world's two most populous countries. Following Wang's discussions with Indian officials, both countries agreed to advance negotiations on their disputed border issues. The neighboring nations also committed to resuming tourism visa issuance and boosting bilateral trade. According to Xinhua news agency, both sides agreed to explore advancing boundary demarcation negotiations during Wang's meeting with Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. The diplomatic thaw represents a notable shift from the strained relations that followed the deadly 2020 border clash. The reconciliation process began last October when Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese leader Xi Jinping for the first time in five years. Modi is scheduled to travel to China later in August for his first visit since 2018, signaling further warming of ties. Wang Yi now proceeds to Pakistan, India's regional rival and one of China's closest partners in South Asia. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning emphasized China's balanced regional approach during a Tuesday press conference. 'Both India and Pakistan are China's important neighbours. We are willing to enhance friendly cooperation with both countries, and hope that differences between these two countries can be handled properly,' she stated. China describes its relationship with Pakistan as 'ironclad friends and all-weather strategic partners.' Beijing has invested tens of billions of dollars in Pakistani infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative. This partnership extends to military cooperation, with Pakistan using Chinese-made hardware including fighter jets. The regional dynamics remain complex, particularly regarding the disputed Kashmir territory claimed by both India and Pakistan. The two nuclear-armed neighbors have fought several wars over the region since gaining independence in 1947. Wang previously expressed China's support for Pakistan in defending 'national sovereignty and territorial integrity' during May talks with Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. Wang's Pakistan visit will continue until Friday, where he will participate in the sixth round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue. This diplomatic activity occurs against the backdrop of ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, including a four-day conflict in May that resulted in over 70 casualties. The incident was triggered by an attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir that New Delhi blamed on Islamabad, though Pakistan denied involvement. - AFP