Universiti Malaya’s Student Leadership Convention director K Vinoth today defended its Indian-only programme, which he said was not held to create disunity among Malaysians.

However, the organisers are considering to open the event to other races in the future.

Vinoth was referring to a June 2 letter which was published Malaysiakini which expressed concern that the event is only open to Indian Malaysians.

dr s subramaniam interview 210308 01 To the letter's suggestion that some of the incoming funds were unprofessionally directed to a single student, Vinod said, “Sponsorship cheques can be made payable to the university treasurer or me. It is not compulsory for sponsors to address cheques directly to me.

"And its monitored by the council organising the convention. There is no chance for mismanagement to take place as the accounts are monitored by the university.”

The four-day convention is being organised by Universiti Malaya's Undergraduates’ Representative Council beginning today to June 8.

Human Resources Minister S Subramaniam ( photo ) will officiate the convention tonight at 8pm.

Positive feedback

It will focus on developing the skills of Indian undergraduates in communication, leadership, entrepreneurship and community awareness; and exposing them to various industries.

The convention also intends to enhance participants’ loyalty to the country.

“The programme has been running for the past two years and it has received positive feedback from participants. We know it (the convention) works, therefore we are looking into branching out to all races,” Vinoth added.

Vinoth - a second-year biochemistry major - said a proposal to extend participation to all students is still under review as more funds would be necessary when they open up the event, and also they have to study the needs of the other races.

270 students from various public and private institutions are participating this year.