Indian non-government organisations in Penang decide to set aside their differences and agree on principal to form an umbrella body that would give them a stronger voice and representation in the state government's decision-making process.

State executive councillor P Subbaiyah, who initiated the move, said the Penang branch of the Malaysian Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) has been given the task to study the proposal and expedite its formation.

Subbaiyah mooted the idea during a dialogue session with 130 representatives from 58 Penang-based Indian NGOs at the Caring Society Complex last week.

The event was jointly organised by the MICCI branch and State Information Department.

Among those present were Seberang Perai Municipal Councillor L Krishnan, MICCI Penang branch chairperson N Ramanathan, Malaysia Hindu Sangam Penang branch chairperson SP Annamalai, Hindu Youth Organisation chairperson P Rajendran and Penang Petty Traders Association secretary V Arjunan.

The session was organised to provide first hand information on issues affecting Penang Indians to Subbaiyah, who replaced Dr K Rajapathy as MIC's state executive councillor following the March 21 polls.

"The MICCI branch will draft a working paper and submit it for my perusal in three months time. I hope to form the umbrella body by this year," said Subbaiyah.

Squabbling NGOs

The proposal to form the umbrella body could not be timelier as ideological differences and personality clashes have been a major obtsacle in reaching out to the impoverished Indians in the state.

Instead of working for the betterment of the150,000-strong Indian community, most NGO leaders have been embroiled in squabbles over state gifts, allocations and awards.

Over the years, the lack of an united NGO backing has thwarted MIC - the sole Indian political representative in the state government - from carrying out projects benefitting the Indian community.

Many community leaders claim that the Gerakan-led state government capitalised on this and has conveniently ignored the plight of the Indian community.

However, they believe the situation will change with the formation of an umbrella body.

Under it, Indian NGOs can pool their resources for a common goal and initiate constructive proposals with a single voice to the state government.

Subbaiyah said MIC would play a leading and effective role to ensure that the state government implements the body's proposals.

"In a long run, the umbrella body will be a strong united pressure group for the Indians. Without it, the MIC will face constraints in managing Indian affairs via the state government," he added.

ATHI VEERANGGAN is malaysiakini's Penang-based stringer