AN Islamic preacher is calling the non-Malays as Kafir Harbi, hence labeling them as enemies of Muslims in Malaysia.

He further mentioned that non-Malays are planning to kill the Muslims. On top of that, he is asking every Muslim to protect Islam from non-Malays. Seriously?

The majority was asked to protect their religion from the minority. So far, thousands of police reports have been made by individuals and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

However, the effectiveness of the police reports has yet to be seen. This is not the first time that non-Malays are being bullied in our country. Sad but that’s the reality.

Islamic preachers Zakir Naik and Zamri Vinoth have repeatedly insulted our religious beliefs and our race openly but the authorities have never taken a single action against them.

Recently, badminton star S. Kisona was targeted by the racist politician using derogatory remarks. She was labelled as Keling from the estate. How shallow is his brain!

The contribution of Indians from estate could not be quantified. Their contribution in the rubber industry, transportation sector (construction of railway tracks), civil service and land development are a few of the examples to show the greatness of our forefathers being a part of this country’s growth.

The announcement by the Government that 51% of non-Malays’ equity should be given to the Malays is like adding salt to the wounds.

In addition, the Prime Minister announced that Bumiputera equities and firms can only be bought by Bumiputera themselves. This is another discriminatory policy.

TERAJU (the Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit) was formed in 2011 under the Prime Minister’s Department whereby the head reports directly to the Prime Minister.

On the contrary, MITRA (formerly known as SEDIC) which was formed in 2014 to ensure the effective implementation and distribution of funds allocated for Indians, is currently being placed under a ministry with its director-general being downgraded from JUSA B to Gred 54.

The worst thing of all is that the RM100 mil allocation which was allocated to MITRA has not being distributed till now.

Equal opportunity is far-fetched

Indonesians, Pakistanis, Rohingya and other foreigners have been granted citizenship, but my fellow Indians who were born here even before Merdeka are still holding red IC.

In the education sector, school allocation has yet to be distributed. Furthermore, ethnic Indian children who excelled in their SPM and STPM were not given the university course of their choices.

They are being neglected in the name of ‘quota’. Many Tamil schools are still not fully under the purview of the Government even though they are part national education system.

Many Indians are not being employed due to racial discrimination. Many Indian civil servants are being sidelined in the promotion exercise and the list goes on!

Many Indians are economically backwards. There is no proper policy to drive the community forward.

How long more do we have to wait to be treated equally as other fellow Malaysians? How long more we have to fight for every single right of ours?

Inclusivity is not exclusive to one single community as how it was described in the 12th Malaysia Plan. Inclusivity means equal opportunity for every single person in the national development agenda.

Sadly, the Government is describing it narrowly. Pathetic! Even after 60 years of independence, the Indian community has to voice out for every single discrimination act against Indians.

This should not be the way. However, this is the best way that we have for now. Only through real political change can this situation could be reversed. Hope that day is not far from now!

Now, you tell me, being an Indian in Malaysia is a boon or a curse? – Oct 8, 2021

Ganabatirau Veraman is the state assemblyman for Kota Kemuning and a Selangor Exco member for socioeconomic empowerment, development and caring government.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.

“Curse or a boon to be born as non-Malays in Malaysia?”