Ethnic minority groups want the government to set up a special department to meet their needs in such areas as education and housing, as a commitment to equal representation of their interests.

Community leaders from 13 associations and political parties met with People's Progressive Party (PPP) president M Kayveas on Jan 18, seeking his help to overcome the neglect felt by ethnic minorities.

Contacted today, Malaysian Ceylonese Congress (MCC) president Dr DM Thuraiappah, who attended the meeting in Putrajaya, said the proposed department would protect the interests and rights of minority communities.

"This proposal is not new. Three years ago, we submitted it through the National Economic Consultative Council, but nothing happened," he said.

"Then, we went to Gerakan and got the same result. I guess it takes time for people to digest such an idea."

Affiliation suggested

Ideally, Thuraiappah said, the proposed department should come under the Prime Minister's Department. Minority groups could register with it and raise issues affecting their welfare.

"The minorities in Malaysia have been marginalised for a long time. We have always felt that it is the government's responsibility to ensure that our interests are protected and upheld," he said.

He further said Kayveas had suggested that the minority groups form an affiliation with PPP, so that the Barisan Nasional (BN) component party could act as a vehicle for more equal representation.

"But this may not be feasible as the constitution of the individual organisations may not have a provision allowing for such a move. It would also depend on the type of association (envisaged)," Thuraiappah said.

Asked if the groups had agreed to accept the name 'BN Supporters Organisation' as proposed, he said this would have to be discussed before any decision is made.

'Discussion needed'

In mid-January, Kayveas had made a statement about the possibility of 1.6 million minority Malaysians joining PPP as associate members. This initially caused concern among BN component parties, especially Umno which now has the largest membership.

Last week, Kayveas explained that his party was not trying to pinch members or split the support for BN. He said PPP was merely trying to give voice to the voiceless groups.

When asked whether a merger was on the cards, at least for the three registered political parties in the group, Thuraiappah said this was highly unlikely as MCC members would oppose any move toward dissolution.

"I think the membership of the other bodies would also feel the same way. But PPP may want to consider an additional wing for minority communities, something like the women and youth wings," he said.

"Let's see what happens at the next meeting. Our 3,000 members want more information on the proposal to use PPP as a vehicle for greater political clout for the minority groups."

He said that by working with the party, the groups hoped to be better represented in mainstream politics.

MCC, one of the three political parties in the group, represents 50,000 Ceylonese Malaysians. The other two are the Punjabi Party of Malaysia and the Indian Muslim Congress of Malaysia.

The rest of the group comprises non-governmental organisations.