Treading On Sensitive Grounds

The Indians of Malaysia make up approximately 1.88 million of the country’s population. Being a minority, challenges faced by the community come in different shapes and sizes. Education has always been a major platform for the Indians to help change their lives for the better. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness of the country’s political climate and sosio-ecomic demands among the vast majority of Indians has brought about negative effects which have put the future of the Malaysian Indians into question.
Emotional outbursts among minority groups in countries world over are quite common. Constant stifling by governments and nitpicking by groups in authority have caused chaos time and time again. Here in Malaysia, all citizens, including the King, are bound by the constitution. Many issues have been tactfully ‘put in place’ to benefit the people of Malaysia. Till today, to be fair to all, no real forms of oppression or ethnic cleansing have been carried out on any of the races in this country.

It is undeniable that many Malaysian Indians are having a tough time establishing a decent living. But, when taken a closer look, there are, even if not bountiful, opportunities for Indians to come up and lead happy and successful lives. As they say, half a loaf is better than none. Indians must learn to maximize whatever opportunities and breaks they get to outwit and outsmart the competition. There are many from the community who have made it big and are looked up upon by other races. Hence, individuals at every level from the community have to start working towards a common goal.

Students must excel in education and acquire knowledge and skills which would be required by others. Professionals must identify and perform in exclusive fields to create a demand for them. Entrepreneurs and businessmen must look out for big ventures and should never fear taking calculated risks. A closer network must be formed among all individuals in the Indian community and the reliance on the ‘others’ must be reduced. Instead of wasting time on entertainment and coffee shop politics, Indians must learn to think ahead and carry out fruitful activities.

Without a significant total in population, it will be very difficult for the Indians to forward requests and demands to those at the helm. The Indian vote has to count. Therefore, the Indian community has to see an increase in its population and there should not be a sense of taboo or shyness among Indians when it comes to the issue of family planning, especially among those who are financially sound.

Rome was not built in a day. The Indians of Malaysia have to be practical and critical if they are to see a bright future ahead. Their actions must speak louder than words, bearing in mind that they are being ‘watched’.

“One of the greatest discoveries a man makes, one of his great surprises, is to find he can do what he was afraid he couldn’t do.”- Henry Ford