Coalition of Indian NGOs calls for a new inclusive politics

The 12th general election has set the stage for new politics to evolve, encompassing the aspirations of all to build a just, secure, transparent, and progressive multiethnic nation. It has de-legitimised certain key institutions and practices, and has provided the opportunity to move away from divisive ethnic-based politics and to build an inclusive model that respects the rights of all Malaysians.

We thank the millions of ordinary Malaysians who boldly voted for change. They overcame the fear of unknown, and were not intimidated by veiled threats or taken in by vague promises. These are signs of growing political maturity, reflecting the desire of citizens to stand up for values they deeply cherish.

Undeniably, Indian-Malaysians in general and the poor in particular, were an integral part of this historic wave for change. Their rallying cry of ‘Makkal Sakti’ captured the spirit of all marginalised communities aspiring for inclusiveness, fairness, and justice.

We believe that with a definite move away from ethnic-based politics, the issue of representation needs to be clearly spelt out when framing a new inclusive political model. This model must discard the old practice of segmenting issues and problems of citizens into ethnic silos.

Naturally, the new elected representatives brought in by the ‘political tsunami’ of the 12th general election must speak for all Malaysians, including Indian-Malaysians.

We maintain that to avoid any sense of loss or neglect among Indian-Malaysians, the inclusive approach must provide for authentic representation at all levels of governance—federal, state, and local governments. Indian-Malaysians should have access to all policy-making institutions to reassure the community that its genuine grievances will be addressed speedily and effectively, and done so as a national and not merely as a communal concern.

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We attest that, in this regard, we as civil society groups working with the Indian community are ready to build a direct dialogue and consultative process between the national and the communal. These dialogue and consultation should be strengthened institutionally by involving Indian-Malaysian NGOs at all levels of governments.

We insist that regular meetings with Indian-Malaysian civil society organisations be organised by the local, state and federal governments so the latter may fully understand and appreciate the issues and needs of Indian community. Such meetings can recommend workable solutions and provide inputs for policy and legislative changes. In addition, such meetings will provide additional feedback on monitoring programme effectiveness.

Finally, we seek support for a process of general healing and goodwill. Among others and importantly, the federal government needs to recognise that the five Hindraf leaders under ISA detention were voicing legitimate grievances of the Indian-Malaysian community. It is the seeming inability of the government to understand this that led the Indian community to express their disenchantment through the ballot box recently.

We seek the government’s understanding to act compassionately and to immediately release the ‘Hindraf five’ to contribute to the healing process. Such an act will certainly make way for a more meaningful dialogue between the community and the national government.

The Coalition of Indian NGOs is an informal body comprising 128 organisations serving all aspects of Indian-Malaysian interests