The Malaysian Indians Progressive Association (Mipas) fully supports and appreciates the excellent service done by the federal government that has set up in the Prime Minister’s Department as a special unit the Socio-Economic Development of the Indian Community (Sedic) to channel money to selected non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and training institutions.

The funds would be channelled through selected NGOs, not to any individuals or political parties. Last year 2015 the federal government has approved an allocation of RM100 million on efforts to improve the lot of Indian Malaysians. This year, 2106, the federal government has approved another RM60 million for the same purpose.

Mipas would like to suggest that those NGOs whose has already received the funds for the year 2015, to give a way and give a chance to other new NGOs to apply. Let’s give an opportunity to other NGOs also to share a piece of the cake, too, and let them conduct their service and serve the community.

Mipas strictly disagreed with those NGOs whose has already received the Sedic funds to reapply again. Sedic also has to be very fair and equal to all NGOs and not only to selected Pro-BN NGOs. The allocation funds should be balanced between all NGOs, after all this is the taxpayers’ money and every NGO should be treated equally.

The main aim of forming Sedic is to uplift the Indian Malaysian community’s financial status, to reduce the crime rate and uplift the degrading values happening among Indian community especially the youth (Gen Y).

Mipas urges Sedic to highlight and publish to the press and media all the names of the NGOs and the amounts that they have received. Mipas hopes Sedic is monitoring everything.

S BARATHIDASAN is secretary-general, Malaysian Indians Progressive Association (Mipas).