Indian input for 12th Malaysia Plan vital for future generations

 

From Denison Jayasooria

Since my article in FMT and also in a Tamil daily recently, a number of people from the Malaysian Indian community have highlighted in the media their participation in the submission of their views to the Economic Planning Unit (EPU).

It is encouraging to note that individuals and groups had taken the initiative to host discussion groups and then make submissions to the EPU on behalf of the community

However, I still stand by my view that no major political party or community group took a collective initiative to mobilise public feedback and make submissions.

My statement was a comment when asked by a reporter. It was not to find fault with any individual or group.

In the follow-up to my statement some blamed political parties, others the federal government and a few felt that I made a mistake in my assessment call.

However, the positive aspect is that it has made the community discuss again the relevance and importance of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) and our participation or lack of it.

This incident is revealing that while there is much talk of neglect or grievances, there is little coordinated effort in making representations to the government or mobilising public opinion on this matter on inclusive development or in making a claim for a share in the prosperity for all.

As the government speaks of a “Malaysian Family”, then the approach must mean that all family members must be made to feel that they have both rights and responsibilities.

Public participation in the development policy process is important and necessary. There have been delays in the presentation of the 12MP in Parliament which should have taken place in 2020 before the 2021 budget.

Media records show that the government, especially the EPU, made public calls for individuals, groups and communities to make submissions, with adequate time given.

Therefore, there were very good opportunities for community submissions and this is an open process. Citizens’ action at the policy level is as important as addressing individual cases of human need.

Many are busy at the individual level and making calls and providing services. However, in development planning, which in Malaysia are plans for five years, it is important to have our voices heard.

Inclusive development also means inclusive participation not just in the submission of ideas but also in the decision making. Once decided, we have to monitor the delivery and undertake evaluation and impact assessment.

Are what is promised politically included in the government plan of action? At the next level is whether they have been included in the delivery. For this, we need data to make the assessment call with evidence.

Active group submissions were made by six different groups from the Malaysian Indian community. Some were able to have a face-to-face meeting with the minister or an official of the EPU.

The groups involved were the 12th Malaysia Plan Advisory Committee of Experts, Klang Community Service Centre, Concerned University Indian Graduates (CUMIG), Malaysian Indian Economic Transformation (MIET), Indian Economy Think Tank, and Concerned citizens for Social Inclusion.

Policy advocacy requires a strong community voice of a majority of the people. In this case, we have leaders from the political, religious, business, professional, social and cultural groups.

While we now make up only 7% of the Malaysian population, in 38 districts and 62 parliamentary constituencies, we form more than 10% of the registered voters and residents.

This 10% and above is a critical number that can have great influence on policy discussions.

An executive summary and a longer paper on the community was emailed to the minister and the EPU team for further consideration. The emphasis was on the 12th Malaysia Plan having enabling policies for the social inclusion and social mobility of all communities.

Recommendations

From what was presented, a quick review indicates a similarity of submission with a focus on addressing the economic, educational, social disadvantages of a section of the Indian community, especially those in the B40 low-income group in urban flats.

There is a call for a targeted response and inclusion in addressing the historical disadvantage of educational performance, with high levels of weak academic achievements and difficulties in accessing skills training and other educational and entrepreneurship training.

There is a strong call by MIET for the setting up of an investment fund like PNB for Indians especially to transform the economy and upgrade our status. This was strongly highlighted by MIET.

The Community Service Centre called for the setting up of an institution which addresses the community concerns of the Malaysian Indians.

Concerned Citizens for Social Inclusion called for enabling policies to facilitate the plugging of Indian Malaysians in all the programmes of government, including the setting up of a community-level task force in the 38 districts where 95% of Indians live.

Indian Economy Think Tank and the Concerned University Indian Graduates (CUMIG) called for the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA) not to be placed under the national unity ministry which does not have a socio-economic development focus.

It should be under the Prime Minister’s Department like the special measures for the people of Sabah and Sarawak, headed by a minister from either one of the states.

Way forward

While these efforts are encouraging it would be more impactful if there was greater collaboration and collective effort. Each group has the right to present as they represent different constituencies such as youth, business, and academic communities. A coordinated effort is needed in the future. It needs all stakeholders to work together

In future, the community could consider a centre for public policy and advocacy to undertake research, documentation and monitoring of socio-economic concerns affecting not just the Indian community but also seeing its parallel impact on other disadvantaged communities. This is to build up solidarity in making a claim for development allocations and resources.

Our objective and goal must be leaving no one or community or group behind. -FMT

Denison Jayasooria is a sociologist and research fellow at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and an FMT reader.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.