The Malaysia Hindu Sangam is relieved that the medical degrees from the Crimea State Medical University (CSMU), Ukraine, will be recognised for all the 247 Malaysian students who are already enrolled at the university.

But whilst new students attending the pre-medical course at CSMU in September will be allowed to do so, we are disappointed that they will have to sit for a Malaysian medical qualifying test on passing the final examinations.

It is more disappointing because the Ministry of Higher Education has already given these students 'no objection' letters to study at CSMU.

We also welcome the assurance by the prime minister that the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) made its decision on a non-racial and non-religious basis. It is hoped, in future, that the Ministry of Higher Education and all other professional councils as approved by the government will be better coordinated so that whatever approval or 'no objection' letters given, will not be contradicted by the other parties within the same framework of the government.

In the meantime, Malaysia Hindu Sangam together with all other Hindu organisations and temples appeal to the government to make a proper review of the CSMU and other medical universities and recognise them accordingly in such a way that parents and students are not the victims of future decisions.

And with reference to the letter, Malaysia Hindu Sangam should keep out of politics , we wish to state that our comments on Natural Resources and Environment Deputy Minister S Sothinathan had nothing to do with politics.

Here was a case of Hindu students who were affected by the decision of MMC not to recognise the Crimea State Medical University, Ukraine. The seriousness given to this issue by the cabinet is a clear indication that our call was justified.

However, I am delighted to note that the writer has shown concern for the plight of Hinduism and Hindus in this country. I wish to inform here that the Malaysia Hindu Sangam, together with numerous Hindu organisations and temples, are now involved in a renaissance action plan to be of more service to the Hindu community.

Besides religious classes and kindergartens, many community service centres and other welfare projects have been initiated in many parts of the country. In such places, free tuition classes, leadership and cultural training programmes are held for children and youths.

We are also involved in anti-smoking and anti-alcoholic campaigns especially during our youth training programmes. Furthemore, HIV/Aids awareness programmess have also been conducted in different parts of the nation.

As for conducting of religious classes in school, we are hoping that the government will give its approval to this request by non-Muslim organisations to conduct such classes.

As to the writer's comments on the conversion of Hindus to other religions, this very sensitive topic that is being addressed by the Sangam and other Hindu organisations. Towards this, propagation activities are being done and immediate surveys are launched in affected areas when informed.

The writer is welcome to inform us the details of such conversion activities so that we could take the necessary action.

Suya Mariyathai's concern shows his good intention to improve the standard of the community and he is most welcome to volunteer to serve in any one of the above-mentioned projects by contacting us at [email protected].

The writer is the president of the Malaysia Hindu Sangam.