A coalition of Indian non-governmental organisations (NGOs) wants the government to set up a Non-Muslim Affairs Department to handle sensitive issues pertaining to religion.

The department, which will look into issues such as conversions and temple demolitions, should come under the Prime Minister's Department, said Malaysian Indian Youth Council (MIYC) president A Rajaretnam.

"After 50 years of independence, we feel that it is timely for such a department to be formed," he told Malaysiakini .

"We want such problems to be handled department to department and not between NGOs and departments. We want the government to handle these issues," he added.

The coalition mooted the idea following a meeting in Kuala Lumpur today. The meeting was held after 13 Indian NGOs met with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Friday.

Strategic action plan

Rajaretnam explained that the NGOs decided to get together to formulate a strategic action plan to be submitted to Abdullah on how to tackle the problems faced by the Indian community.

"The meeting with the prime minister was held in short notice, so we did not have time to prepare the necessary paperwork," he said, adding that the NGOs were nevertheless grateful that the premier engaged them in a discussion.

As for the strategic action plan, which is expected to be completed in a month, Rajaretnam said it will be submitted to Abdullah via the official channel, MIC president S Samy Vellu.

"We are willing to receive feedback from all quarters in order to work as a team on this issue. But they must agree to go through the proper channel.

"We are currently collecting feedback from experts (in relation to the plan)," he added.

Rajaretnam said the NGOs will also request Abdullah and the MIC president to hold similar meetings with relevant groups at least two to three times a year.

Free 'attempted murder' suspects

Meanwhile, the MIYC president also revealed that the NGOs are appealing to the prime minister to release the 31 people charged with the alleged attempted murder of a policeman.

The suspects were arrested in connection with the mass rally organised by the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) on Nov 25.

"These are innocent people," said Rajaretnam. He added that if the 31 cannot be released then the charge against them "should be softened, say to unlawful assembly."

He said the NGOs will also provide financial and other assistance to the detainees and their families.

Apart from this, the NGOs are also urging the government to review its decision to detain five Hindraf leaders, namely P Uthayakumar, M Manoharan, V Ganabatirau, R Kenghadharan and T Vasantha Kumar, under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

"The five should be charged in court, we have the rule of law, let the courts decide," said Rajaretnam.

The five, four of whom are lawyers, were arrested last week for allegedly being a threat to national security.

They had incurred the wrath of the government by accusing it of marginalising the Indians and subjecting them to ethnic cleansing, charges which have been denied.

Today's meeting was organised by MIYC, the Malaysian Hindu Council and Hindu Dharmam Mahamandram.

Rajaretnam also said the NGOs have called for nationwide prayers to be held to ensure that Malaysia continues to enjoy peace and harmony.