Rising to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's rally for the people to work with him, a yet to be registered political party has requested a meeting with him to discuss the problems of poverty and marginalisation among the Indian Malaysian community.

In a letter addressed to the new premier today, Parti Reformasi Insan Malaysia (Prim) pro tem deputy secretary-general RN Rajah said he hoped to discuss possible moves in addressing the problems, which he claimed have been ignored by the previous administration.

As a start, he said the government should look into access problems faced by the community in four key areas: education, housing, business opportunities, and civil service employment opportunities.

"It has become a fact that opportunities for business loans are very limited, making it virtually impossible for Indian Malaysians to go into business.

"This is the same when it comes to education. Indian Malaysians face all sorts of obstacles in entering tertiary educational institutions even though they hold the same qualifications," he said in the letter, a copy of which was faxed to the media.

Mahathir's failure

To properly address these issues, Rajah said the government should consider putting in place affirmative action policies to assist those in dire need of assistance.

For instance, he said Abdullah should consider allowing Indian Malaysians to participate in training programmes and courses organised by the government.

"Such moves can go a long way in arresting further marginalisation of the community and hence the country," he said.

Last week, Prim issued a statement saying that although former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad did much to develop the country, his 22-year tenure is also marked by his failure to improve the situation of the Indian Malaysian community.

The party raised issue with the falling intake of Indian Malaysian students in local universities despite the implementation of so-called meritocratic policies.

Prim also highlighted the poor economic situation facing the community and the alarming increase in crime involving Indian Malaysians.