Parliament should address ‘Indian gangsterism’

In an effort to tackle the menace, a PKR-linked NGO suggests that the government form a new department under the home ministry.

PETALING JAYA: A PKR-linked NGO wants gangsterism among Indian youth to be discussed in parliament, saying that federal intervention was vital before the problem starts to threaten national security.

People’s Welfare and Rights Organisation (Power) wants the Dewan Rakyat to discuss the issue and is also planning to organise a forum involving both Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat MPs to push for “zero gangsterism”.

Power president S Gobi Krishnan said: “M Kulasegaran from DAP promised to help organise the forum so that Nazri Aziz, the Minister in the PM’s Department, can hold discussions with about 50 to 100 MPs. This is serious matter, and should not be a partisan issue.”

The PKR national strategy and policy bureau secretary, who has met several other Pakatan MPs, said that the forum would be a parliament roundtable to be held after Budget 2013 is tabled. Also on the cards is a public forum in November.

Power is suggesting the government form a working team, with sub-teams at state and district levels, to suggest ways and means to tackle gangsterism.

Power has come up with a preliminary report suggesting several short term and long term solutions, including setting up of rehabilitation centres akin to Pusat Serenti for drug addicts.

Power has also suggested a ‘Crime and Behaviour Rehabilitation Department (Jabatan Pemulihan Jenayah dan Akhlak)’ be formed under the Home Ministry, operating as any other government agency with its own budget and workforce.

“Crime and behaviour rehabilitation centres can be formed under this department, and a rehabilitation process introduced to assist gang leaders and members who have repented to start fresh in life, similar to the rehabilitation for drug addicts,” said Gobi.

Other solutions suggested by Power in the report include:

• an immediate resolution by political leaders from both sides of political divide to condemn gangsterism and take action.

• Education Ministry to work with relevant NGOs and the police to ensure school compounds do not become a breeding ground for gangsterism.

• Intervention be initiated even at primary levels for Indian students.

• Police to form a special squad to identify, arrest, prosecute and penalise these criminals who are leaders of gangs.

• Police to take action against political leaders/VIPs who have been supporting these gangster groups.

In his report, Gobi noted that while Indians are the minority in Malaysia, they contributed to the high crime rate.