The Malaysian Indian Business Association (Miba) has given the thumbs up for PKR's election manifesto which features the slogan 'A New Dawn for Malaysia'.
Miba president P Sivakumar commended the opposition party for calling for a review of the New Economic Policy (NEP).
"A rose should be extended to PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim for his bold approach in discarding discriminative policies and ensuring assistance to the poor regardless of race," he said.
Sivakumar said many Malaysians were suffering in silence while some had chosen to voice out their dissatisfaction over the manner in which certain things were being done in this country.
"The PKR manifesto addresses these issues and provides positive solutions for the well-being of all citizens," he told Malaysiakini today.
Sivakumar also reminded Malaysians that the country gained independence in 1957 because of the joint effort of all races.
"The Malays, Chinese and Indians rallied behind the late Tunku Abdul Rahman to liberate the country from colonial rule," he stressed.
Accumulated discontentment
Sivakumar said Tunku - in seeking the agreement and mutual cooperation of the non-Malays - gave the assurance that after independence they would be treated fairly and justly although the Malays, who were then economically backwards, would be given some leverage.
"He also declared that the country for all intents and purposes would remain a secular state with freedom of worship for everyone irrespective of their religious beliefs
"This understanding lasted till 1969. But the unexpected May 13 racial riots paved the way for the formulation of the NEP to correct the economic imbalance between the Malays and non-Malays."
However, the Johor-based businessman said nearly four decades later, the policy had come under criticism and caused unhappiness among the non-Malay communities.
"On Nov 25, some 30,000 Indians took to the streets to voice their disgruntlement over not being treated equally, the indiscriminate temple demolitions and the lack of educational, business and civil service employment opportunities.
"This can be said as the outpouring of accumulated discontentment stored in the hearts for far too long," he said in reference to the rally organised by the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf).
Credible representatives needed
On the same note, Sivakumar said it cannot be denied that the government had brought about much prosperity to the nation albeit with some disparity in the treatment of its citizens.
"In the eyes of God all men are equal but the NEP divides Malaysians into two distinct classes - bumiputra (son of the soil) who have special rights and non-bumiputra (not a son of the soil).
"Today after 50 years of independence, every Indian born in this country is asking why such classifications and discrimination. When will all these stop?" he added.
"With such preferential and differential treatment between the people of one nation can the government candidly say that it is fair to everyone?" he asked.
Stressing that Malaysia was a wonderful country, Sivakumar, however, noted that times had changed and policies of the past were no longer applicable.
"So we need to change some things for the benefit of all. We need quality people to run this country," he added.
In view of this, the Miba president called on the Indian community to cast their votes for credible candidates in this elections.
"We need capable representatives to champion the cause without fear and negotiate a better future for all," he added.
Source: Makkal Sakti
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