IPF proposes task force for Indian funds

The pro-BN party says MIC must not pretend that it is the only representative of Indians.

PETALING JAYA: The Indian Progressive Front (IPF), a Barisan Nasional friendly Indian political party, has asked MIC to set up a special task force to manage government allocations meant for Malaysian Indians.

IPF president M Sambanthan, noting that there are several pro-BN Indian-based parties in the country, said it was unfair for MIC to act as if it was the sole representative of the community in the government.

“As a party which has positions in government, they should also encourage and listen to the other pro-BN parties, especially Indian-based parties” he told FMT today.

He claimed that MIC’s reluctance to entertain other Indian-based parties had resulted in the community being deprived of “fully enjoying” government allocations.

He said only a certain segment of the community had benefited from government funds, with the remainder being left in the lurch because they did not favour MIC.

“Those who do not like MIC or those who do not join the party are left out,” he said. “This is one of the reasons why Indians voted for Pakatan Rakyat at the last election. The BN seems to be repeating the same mistake.”

On the proposed special task force, Sambanthan said it should consist of representatives from all pro-BN Indian political parties and major Indian-based non-governmental organisations.

“The government can no longer use MIC to reach the Malaysian Indian community. We have parties like IPF, PPP and MIUP, who are getting stronger in several areas. It is time for the MIC to work with other political parties. We don’t mind the MIC heading the task force.”

On Saturday, MIC president G Palanivel, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, announced that he had submitted the community’s 2013 Budget wish list to Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak. Among other things, MIC wants the government to provide a special allocation for the community’s development activities.

Commenting on the proposed special allocation, Sambanthan said it must be used for various development projects to enhance the living standard of Indians.

“But MIC cannot take full credit of the special grant,” he said. “The allocation must be delivered to the community via the special task force. And IPF believes the task force would be a more transparent way to channel the money to the community.”

Nalla has sought 10% special allocation
MIUP chairman K Nallakaruppan shares Sambanthan’s views. He told FMT that the government should allocate a large sum in the 2013 Budget for use in programmes to put Indians on par with the Malays and Chinese.

“I too have sent a letter to the prime minister asking for the special allocation,” he said. “I am not aware of Palanivel’s request.

“We have already proposed a 10% special allocation in the 2013 budget.

“If MIC is really concerned about the community, then they should consult everyone who supports the BN. This will ensure the survival of the MIC itself. If it remains exclusive, then we are looking at MIC dying a slow death.”