In the last 60 years Malaysian Indians aggressively supported the Barisan Nasional. The Malaysian public in general have witnessed 12 general elections. Approximately 80  percent of Malaysian Indians leaned in favour of the Barisan Nasional up to the 11th general election.

The 12th General Election in the year 2008 completely reshaped the political sphere of Malaysian politics wherein 65 percent of Malaysian Indians supported the various opposition parties resulting in the Barisan Nasional not gaining two-thirds majority in parliament and losing five states to the opposition. As for the Indians in general the outcome of the 12th general election has paved a new path in domestic politics.

However public outcry of discrimination marginalisation and segregation still steadily continue to date. On the part of the establishment there appears piecemeal effort to remedy the situation but to date has failed to provide and implement a comprehensive measure with permanent solutions.

There is a growing incompetence on the part of the establishment to identity and address some of the most pressing problems faced by the community thus far. There has been no direct intervention by the government to address such problems. Often when problems escalate the easy way out is to outsource the solution, which must be immediately halted. If the establishment is sincere and genuine then its policies must reflect honesty.

While discrimination, segregation and marginalisation appear to be real and serious problems issues pertaining to Interlok, rampant demolition of shrines, lack of scholarships, lack of job opportunities and promotions are still persistent.

The demands and expectations of the Malaysian Indian community has many a times been raised and no establishment can be oblivious to the truth underlying this pressing problems.

Additionally the MIC does not possess the ability to lift the community from this dilemma single handedly. Therefore the collective effort of the private and public sector becomes essential and this can only be achieved if there were genuine desire to uplift or otherwise it becomes almost an impossible task to achieve.

The community in general has heard many power-packed speeches from the past and present leaders. But they all failed to comprehensively outline the aspirations of the community. While this is not welcomed nor desired, little can the community do to overcome this mayhem within the political sphere.

The community does not require a wishlist. What they require is a comprehensive plan to place the community into mainstream development, possessing the competitive edge and ability to face immediate and future challenges.

A wishlist may not possess all nor encompass the essential ingredients for a steady continued development. Therefore substantive and material policy changes become ever more necessary so as to ensure sustainability of the community in general.

Unless the government is ready and prepared to announce positive measures, no support will return to the coalition.

A material fact that can never be ignored by civil society, is that the Indians have immensely contributed for the well being of the country today. The presence of the Indians is evident in almost all sectors of development and services prior to independence. Post independence, by reason of hostile policies and implementation of certain measures have driven Indians out of those essential sectors and services.

While the government desires Indians support and votes, unless there are proactive measures and steps undertaken and implemented with absolute honesty and sincertiy, never they will return to support the coalition and their desertion will remain permanent.

The community is not asking for concessions and privileges. What instead it deserves is a comprehensive and practical measure that would contribute to their progress and development. No Malaysian politician must now think that Indian votes are fixed deposit. If you fail to provide attention and interest and if you fail to implement a clear action plan you will be abandoned.

While we have a change in leadership within the MIC, such change in leadership will not necessarily bring about new policies and measures, for old habits die hard. Any political party within the coalition spectrum must learn to accept democratisation within the party.

The Indians in general have today have matured and are forward thinking and they can no longer be hoodwink or hypnotised like before. This deplorable methods were used in the past to suppress the genuine voice and grievances of the community.

Today the Pandora’s box has been opened. I strongly believe that trying to win the hearts of the Indians at a to be held assembly is pointless unless there is sincere and genuine effort to uplift the community. If no constructive measures are announced at the assembly, then once again at the 13th general election the Barisan Nasional will be severely whipped.        

R Kengadharan is an ex-ISA detainee.