MIPP: Ditch 'mandor' system, PM should head proposed Indian committee

Summary

• MIPP urges PM to head the proposed Indian Community Action Committee instead of getting others to do it.

• Its deputy president S Subramaniam says Mitra had acknowledged that despite approvals, many programmes are still awaiting funds from the Prime Minister’s Office.

• Govt can emulate former premier Najib Abdul Razak’s move in heading the then-cabinet committee on Indian affairs, he adds.

The Malaysian Indian People's Party (MIPP) has called on the prime minister to lead the proposed Indian Community Action Committee, as he would be able to implement all the decisions made.

Its deputy president S Subramaniam said any attempts to rope in another Indian leader to head the committee would only create a “mandor” system.

“Although no official announcement has been made, MIPP feels it’s best for the prime minister to head the committee.

“Appointing Indian leaders to the post would not bring any result because they have no power to execute decisions.

“What’s the point in coming up with policies but having no power to implement them? Only the prime minister can ensure the Indian community gets the assistance they need,” he told Malaysiakini.

The “mandor” system refers to an old policy practised by the British colonialists, where they would appoint a “supervisor” to manage the affairs of Indian labourers or estate workers.

While they were initially tasked with being the “bridge” between workers and employers, the system often led to abuses such as withholding workers’ wages and forcing them to work extended hours.

On Monday, a source told Malaysiakini that Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister R Ramanan would be appointed chair of the newly formed committee.

“PKR president Anwar Ibrahim will meet all Indian leaders from PKR soon to discuss the party’s direction and what needs to be done for the Indian community.

“And we believe the announcement on the formation of the committee would be made at the same time.”

Mitra’s woes

Citing an example, Subramanian pointed out the problem plaguing the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra), where many of the approved programmes are still awaiting funds from the Prime Minister’s Office.

He pointed out that its special task force committee chairperson P Prabarakan had said that 45 programme proposals that had been approved in the first series are awaiting the PMO’s greenlight.

“This is why I stress that the prime minister should head the proposed committee. If you get someone else, the person would need to undergo various processes to get the funds,” Subramanian added.

Reminiscing about former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak’s times, Subramaniam said the former Pekan MP chaired the then-cabinet committee on Indian affairs.

“Plus, the chief secretary to the government would also attend the meetings to ensure implementation happens.

“This is what Indians want from the government, not a ‘mandor’ system.”

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