KUALA LUMPUR — A coalition of 19 national Indian NGOs has urged Bersama to make the socio-economic transformation of the Malaysian Indian community a core part of its political agenda, warning that persistent poverty, discrimination and widening inequality require a long-term institutional response.
The group, Gelombang Saksama, made the call during its first engagement with Bersama leaders, including former Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and former Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
Former Klang MP Charles Santiago said the Indian community, which accounts for about 6.5% of Malaysia’s population, could not afford to rely on short-term political promises.
“The Indian agenda must not be treated as an electoral issue that is revisited only when elections are around. We need a sustained programme for socio-economic transformation, equity and wealth creation,” he said.
Santiago said declining population growth, persistent poverty, school dropouts, discrimination and widening socio-economic disparities showed the need for a coordinated and institutional approach.
Among the key proposals put forward was the establishment of a dedicated statutory body for the Indian community, with sufficient independence, authority and resources to plan, coordinate and drive long-term development.
The proposed body would bring together government agencies, civil society, businesses and community organisations to avoid fragmented and overlapping programmes.
The NGOs also proposed creating a dedicated funding vehicle to pool government resources with contributions and investments from Indian individuals, businesses and corporations.
Such a mechanism, they said, could provide sustainable funding for economic opportunities, education, entrepreneurship and community development.
The group also called for the reinstatement of the Cabinet Committee on Indian Affairs to provide high-level political oversight and coordinate policies and programmes across ministries and government agencies.
Santiago said the proposals were aimed at creating a framework that would allow the community to become economically stronger and less dependent on ad-hoc government interventions.
“We want to see the 6.5% become economically strong, politically empowered and equal participants in Malaysia’s future. That requires institutions, resources and political commitment, not just programmes,” he said.
Gelombang Saksama said it welcomed the opportunity to begin discussions with Bersama and urged the party to consider the proposals as part of its broader national agenda. - August 21, 2026
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