The Indian community has responded positively to the many initiatives announced by the government for them, especially through the cabinet committee on Indian affairs, MIC president S Samy Vellu said today.

He said Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak who chaired the committee's meeting last Sept 28, had promised to ensure the MIC's recommendations were studied and implemented where possible.

samy vellu exclusive on tamil schools 080708 06 "It is not merely proposals but practical measures that would be met by the government, and the prime minister was very receptive to (these measures)," he told reporters.

He said the measures were carefully drafted by a team of MIC leaders and experts in the economic, educational and social fields led by MIC vice-president and Human Resources Minister Dr S Subramaniam.

"Many of the recommendations made by the MIC in previous meetings of the cabinet committee have been implemented," he said.

Samy Vellu said among the recent recommendations made by the party was to ensure adequate government funding for Tamil schools irrespective of whether they were partially-aided or fully-aided schools.

Other recommendations include speeding up recruitment in the civil service and government-linked companies, opening up more opportunities for Indian businessmen and contractors, and increasing opportunities for Indians to do matriculation courses.

MIC machinery in full swing

He said the MIC would follow-up on the recommendations to ensure their implementations by the various departments and agencies.

On the Oct 11 Bagan Pinang by-election, Samy Vellu said the MIC machinery was in full swing and had started a door-to-door campaign.

He said the Youth, Wanita, Puteri dan Putera wings of the MIC had also launched their campaigns by targeting their respective groups.

"We will hold a Deepavali open house on Oct 8 and we invite all Bagan Pinang people to attend in the spirit of 1Malaysia," he added.