The government has promised to give due consideration to the MIC's input in the 9th Malaysia Plan, especially to increase the economic equity of the Malaysian Indian community through a national monitoring mechanism.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who is Barisan Nasional chairperson, gave the assurance when opening the MIC's 59th annual general meeting in Kuala Lumpur today.

But he shot down the MIC's request for a special monitoring mechanism to ensure proper implementation of programmes and projects aimed at raising the Malaysian Indian community's stake in the national economy.

Samy Vellu insisted that without government help, it would be impossible for the community to attain the three percent equity share.

The prime minister, rejecting the need for a special body, said the existing implementation agency will be upgraded to serve that purpose.

"We will use the Implementation and Coordination Unit for this. It is being upgraded and I'm overseeing the improvements," he said.

The MIC had proposed the setting up of a national unit trust fund and a monitoring mechanism to ensure equitable implementation of related policies as part of its list of recommendations for the 9th Malaysia Plan.

Abdullah also placed great emphasis on human capital development.

Same message

"In-depth knowledge and skills are our main focus in the thrust towards building human capital and encouraging economic growth because that will ensure sufficient wealth for distribution to all.

"This is the same message I give to all BN component parties, not just Umno or MCA," he said in his speech.

"Most importantly, of course, is the political will to carry out the set goals."

Abdullah pledged to improve the capacity-building aspect on a macro level.

The two-day AGM was attended by 3,500 people including observers, diplomats and 1,500 delegates.

Noting the community's achievement of academic success, the prime minister said it augured well for both the Malaysian Indians and the overall development of the country.

Tomorrow, a set of 12 resolutions will be tabled and expected to be adopted by the 1,500 delegates.

The resolution on equity ownership wanted the government to implement, among others, allocation of reserved shares and mobilise investments, joint-ventures and privatisation to increase Malaysian Indian capital ownership through a trust fund.

Civil service, education

The government's failure to honour an undertaking to formulate appropriate strategies and programmes to increase the stake in the national economic cake from 1.5 percent to three percent by 2010 was noted with "deep concern".

Citing the increasing number of displaced plantation workers due to re-development of estates, the MIC wanted state governments to approve land conversion only after developers provided adequate low-cost housing complete with Tamil schools, temples and recreational facilities.

Also on the table is a resolution on the full implementation of the declared policy on an increased recruitment and promotion in the civil service, including the police and armed forces.

The low intake of Malaysian Indian students into matriculation programmes and critical courses in universities will also be debated tomorrow.

The Education Ministry has been asked to allocate 10 percent of matriculation seats currently reserved for non-Bumiputeras to the community in line with the population ratios of the respective main ethnic groups.

Delegates will also deliberate on a resolution asking the government to introduce Tamil as an elective subject in national primary and secondary schools.