Organised by the Yayasan Strategik Sosial
Date: November 5, 2009 (Thursday)
Time: 3.00pm to 9pm
Venue: Dynasty Hotel, Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur
The Tenth Malaysia Plan will be the most significant national strategiy document in Malaysia for the next five years (2011 – 2016). It will provide the socio economic directions, identify specific programmes, make provisions for the allocation of resources and set the key indicators for measurement.
Input into this process at the formative stage is imperative and efforts are underway through a participatory process to receive feedback and review on the Ninth Plan with the view to ensure that the Tenth Plan incorporates the aspirations, needs and concerns of all communities. The Tenth plan must ensure that all sections of the Malaysian society have a share in the wealth that is created and distributed.
A draft document containing the review and recommendations from the Malaysian Indian community, has been prepared through a working group process that was held from August 24 to 26, 2009 at the Prime Minister’s Department in Putrajaya. This document with supporting papers containing recommendations is now being circulated to a wider consultative group for feedback, input and analysis.
This is a consultative process which is participatory in nature where representatives of national civil society and community based organizations have the opportunity to provide their input and views.
OBJECTIVES
To provide an opportunity for national civil society and community based organizations to review the available analysis and recommendations for input into the Tenth Malaysia Plan
To receive input, feedback, criticism and recommendations on how to effectively address community issues and concerns
To institute a consultative process where there is a regular dialogue between key stakeholders responsible for the socio-economic development of the community
To foster closer partnership in ensuring that information and services reach the intended target group and grassroots
To ensure that there is effective monitoring and implementation of public sector services in order that the bottom 40% experience social inclusion and are able to access the services and provisions
TENTATIVE PROGRAMME
2.30pm Arrival & Registration
3.00pm Welcome Address
Setting the Agenda
Discussion & Review
3.30pm Ninth Malaysia Plan provisions & Eight points for critical review
4.30pm Poverty & Social Ills
5.30pm Employment Opportunities & Civil Service Recruitment
6.30pm Business & Entrepreneurship Development
7.30pm DINNER BREAK
8.30pm Education & Training Opportunities
9.30pm Delivery & Implementation
GUIDELINES FOR DISCUSSION
All participants must be representatives of an organization as this is a consultative process set up for receiving input from civil society and community based organizations
Each participant must secure and read the draft document prior to attending the consultation. This is imperative as the framework and format of the consultation will follow the draft document closely.
Participants are therefore asked to make comments on the points highlighted to strengthen or critique them or suggest new points and recommendations which can be incorporated.
We will follow the UN style of time management where a speaker is given only 5 minutes to intervene on a particular topic. Participants will have to restrain themselves as the time available is very limited. This will ensure that all the representatives have an opportunity to speak.
It is recommended that participants write their comments as per the document and circulate the comments on the day of the consultation. This will ensure that your views are captured in the findings document.
All presentations and interventions will be incorporated upon endorsement by the wider group into the final document. This draft will be circulated for comments.
All earlier policy activities pertaining to the Tenth Malaysia Plan in receiving input and analysis can be sited at:-
http://malaysianindianstenthmalaysiaplan.blogspot.com/
For further details and particpation please contact: Mrs Jasmine Adaickalam at 03 40415958 or mobile 012 305 6474 or email her at manochitra17@gmail.com
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Comment from Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam
Date: Wed, Sep 30, 2009 at 11:52 AM
Subject: Re: summary version of the key findings for 10th Malaysia plan
Dear Dr Denison,
Congrats for getting so many to attend several meetings on the
10th Plan!
I am always Open to Focussed Meetings. The Findings are good although not new. The Recommendations need to be Sharpened for Govt Follow Up Action
I wish there is a good Preamble on One Malaysia and the Role of
Govt to achieve this goal for the Indians
The NEP should be applied Fairly and the mention of the Reduction
of the Racial Income Gap in Chapter 16 of the 9 th Plan Should Not
appear in the 10th Plan , please .
Congrats again for these fine efforts .
Subject: Re: summary version of the key findings for 10th Malaysia plan
Dear Dr Denison,
Congrats for getting so many to attend several meetings on the
10th Plan!
I am always Open to Focussed Meetings. The Findings are good although not new. The Recommendations need to be Sharpened for Govt Follow Up Action
I wish there is a good Preamble on One Malaysia and the Role of
Govt to achieve this goal for the Indians
The NEP should be applied Fairly and the mention of the Reduction
of the Racial Income Gap in Chapter 16 of the 9 th Plan Should Not
appear in the 10th Plan , please .
Congrats again for these fine efforts .
Comment from Puan Komalam
Date: Wed, Sep 30, 2009 at 9:12 AM
Subject: Re: Fw: Kaum India di GLC
To: denison jayasooria
Datuk,
You can use the data that are being forwarded as supporting information for the 10th Plan requests.
As for the report on the findings of the working group discussions, it is reflective of the areas raised during the series of meetings held. They are broad and touch on a wide range of issues in general.
However i believe the next step is to formulate specific programs with targets to be attained by the end of the Tenth Plan. If we propose the targets, then there is something to evaluate the performance /outcome subsequently.
We should have a VISION for the Indian community which should become a catch phrase for the tenth plan. We should focus on a few but significant areas such as creating a Malaysian Indian Business Community, attaining a zero school dropout rate among Indian students, creating a pool of ( number) skilled technical, scientific and professional Indian labour force, reducing Indian poverty levels by ( ) % and providing quality education at vernacular and national school levels within a period of five years, The 10th Plan is very outcome based.
I will provide soon feedback on issues raised during the preparatory sessions for the Cabinet Committee on Indian Issues for your perusal.
Thank You. These are just my thoughts for your consideration.
Subject: Re: Fw: Kaum India di GLC
To: denison jayasooria
Datuk,
You can use the data that are being forwarded as supporting information for the 10th Plan requests.
As for the report on the findings of the working group discussions, it is reflective of the areas raised during the series of meetings held. They are broad and touch on a wide range of issues in general.
However i believe the next step is to formulate specific programs with targets to be attained by the end of the Tenth Plan. If we propose the targets, then there is something to evaluate the performance /outcome subsequently.
We should have a VISION for the Indian community which should become a catch phrase for the tenth plan. We should focus on a few but significant areas such as creating a Malaysian Indian Business Community, attaining a zero school dropout rate among Indian students, creating a pool of ( number) skilled technical, scientific and professional Indian labour force, reducing Indian poverty levels by ( ) % and providing quality education at vernacular and national school levels within a period of five years, The 10th Plan is very outcome based.
I will provide soon feedback on issues raised during the preparatory sessions for the Cabinet Committee on Indian Issues for your perusal.
Thank You. These are just my thoughts for your consideration.
Summary of findings on Tenth Malaysia Plan
by Mrs Jasmine Adaickalam (YSS)
1) INTRODUCTION
A series of working group discussions on Malaysian Indians and the Tenth Malaysia Plan was hosted by YB Dato SK Devamany, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department at Putrajaya from August 24 to 26, 2009
These were organized and facilitated by Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria (UKM Institute of Ethnic Studies) as commissioned by the Yayasan Strategik Sosial to receive input and feedback on the Ninth Malaysia Plan’s policies and programmes with a view to provide input to the Tenth Malaysia Plan.
A total of forty seven people participated over the three days with a minimum of fifteen people taking part in every working group session. The diverse participation from various sectors enhanced the quality of discussion and review.
2) REFLECTIONS ON 9th MP PROVISIONS
During the course of discussion a number of specific initiatives undertaken to address the Indian concerns were reflected upon. They are,
Government sponsored skills training opportunities provided to Indian youths through public training institutions such as the Industrial Training Institutes (ILP), Giat MARA, Industrial Youth training Institute (IKBN) and the EPU/MOF funded skills training opportunities, which were coordinated by YSS.
Entrepreneurship Training courses and micro-credit loans were provided to Indians through INSKEN and Yayasan Tekun respectively. These were also coordinated by YSS.
Micro credit loans are also being given to the urban poor especially women through Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), which is directly coordinated by AIM.
A special grant was allocated to YSS to undertake social programmes towards holistic development of educationally underachieving Indian youths. This is an on-going programme undertaken since June 2001 under the PINTAS project to address social ills among Indian youths.
A total of RM216.5million special grants were allocated for the infrastructure development of Tamil Schools especially those which are partially aided. This fund helped 200 over schools.
To address the low participation of Indians in equity and to enable them to take part in equity ownership, the government ensured that 15% of the shares in PNB be reserved for the Indian community.
The establishment of the Cabinet Committee on Indian Issues, which is chaired by none other than the Prime Minister himself to ensure participation of Indians in Government programs and projects with the secretariat at the Ministry of Human Resources is a key provision by the government.
3) REVIEW OF PROVISIONS & PROGRAMMES
During the course of the discussion over the three days a number of critical points were raised which require further clarification from the Federal Government especially the lead agencies such as the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) and the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) at the Prime Minister’s Department.
They are,
• Indian concerns are looked as individual community concerns rather than addressing them as national concerns
• There is a tremendous distrust of official statistics and official figures cited in government strategy documents such as 9th MP and MTR of the 9th MP
• Another grievance raised was that the programme outreach is too small, not comprehensive or holistic in nature and the outcomes and the follow-through is weak.
• Social awareness and social preparation is extremely weak to plug into the system
• Access issues due to under/un informed front desk official or an insensitive or unfriendly public official hinders the active community participation in government programmes.
• Major concerns in the areas of coordination, delivery and implementation had been highlighted.
4) RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1 Poverty & Social Ills
Lack of documentation and statelessness, increasing involvement into crime and violence and the issues of single mothers headed households, low and poor income families were highlighted to be some of the key issues under this theme. It was concurred that a major target group identification exercise and a designing of a comprehensive and holistic strategy with appropriate budgeting to effectively address these issues was recommended. It was also suggested that the assistance of Non Governmental and Faith Based Organisations should be employed.
4.2 Employment opportunities & civil service recruitments
While issues and concerns such as poor participation, recruitment and promotions of Indians into civil service sector and GLCs were noted, it was strongly recommended that 8%-10% of all available job and promotion opportunities at all levels in civil service sector should be allocated for Malaysian Indians.
It was also emphasised that the government must take every available effort to disseminate the information on government opportunities and must be sincere in making this policy an outcome oriented by translating into action. A Community Depository Centre to monitor all applications, recruitment, rejections and promotions was proposed.
It was stressed on that the representation of Malaysian Indians in all critical agencies and departments and also in areas where there is a dense Indian population should be ensured at the earliest
4.3 Business & Entrepreneurship Development
Promotion and dissemination of information on the available opportunities in terms of business related programmes, trainings, loans and grants need to be strengthened and made aggressive through networking and partnerships with community organisations and NGOs.
Psycho-social preparation of the poor and the low-income group in business discipline and development needs to be urgently looked into by implementing regular programmes and through appropriate follow-up mechanism.
Making funds and grants available for business trainings at the undergraduate level and developing close links with commercial banks to address the issues of prejudice and perception is key. Fostering self-help groups and credit cooperative schemes at the community level is imperative.
Ensuring Indian participation in vendor development programme, franchise programme and venture capital schemes and making certain that Indians secure 10% of the GLC’s procurement which is estimated to be at RM80billion is crucial.
Developing incubator models / “business angels” and schemes to nurture new businesses and enable them to eventually be more independent and promotion of successful business models to encourage youth participation and mindset change and Indians appointment into all business related commissions, banks, GLC where Federal Government has a controlling interest are some important areas to be looked into.
4.4 Education & Training Opportunities
Provision of pre-school education in all Tamil schools is paramount and a comprehensive strategy should be implemented. All Tamil schools should be given the status of being fully aided. Steps should be taken to improve the quality of Bahasa Malaysia teaching and learning in Tamil schools. Education Ministry must ensure that at least 50% of Tamil schools teachers are able to secure a degree by 2015.
It was also suggested that the Federal Government establishes a Tamil School Development Board comprising of prominent Indians who are passionately involved in developing the image of Tamil schools.
Review Remove class and its effectiveness and provide provide an alternative route for academically weak students into a combination of skills development courses and academic classes with a stronger emphasis on hands on training from age 13 onwards
A single system should be introduced for higher secondary school leavers as opposed to the current two systems and the teaching of morals can be reviewed and multi cultural and religious awareness/appreciation can be introduced instead.
Need to increase post secondary opportunities for Indian youths in fields such as, technical, industrial, agricultural, medical, vocational, educational etc. It is also important to ensure that adequate number of Indians enter into critical courses.
A multi cultural environment in pre schools, primary and secondary including a fair mix composition of teachers need to be looked into. Target academically weak and youths prone to anti-social behaviour in the school system and develop a comprehensive intervention programme including parental guidance and family support programmes
4.5 Delivery & Implementation
Need to make the public sector culturally attractive and sensitive to all Malaysians ie a friendly environment for all communities. At the same time the Indian mindset and perception needs to be transformed to take advantage of the services and programmes
Urgent need for Federal Government to strengthen the secretariat for the Indian community programmes. A dedicated professional, technical and administrative support team is urgently necessary to strengthen delivery and enlarge delivery
A National Consultative Council of Indian Organisations must be established by the Federal Government to win civil society and NGOs including community based, religious, cultural, business, professional and recreational organisations. This will be an accountability group, also securing support and promotion in the community. Important to ensure all communities are represented. A system of accreditation needs to be established
An outcome based model of delivery and implementation must be in place; the logic model / framework will be helpful. Clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Key Result Areas (KRAs) must be identified, measured, monitored and evaluated on a periodical basis.
Urgent need in the Tenth Malaysia Plan process is to budget for five years and provide adequate funding for operations and programmes.
In addition, the Federal Government should establish a Community Consultative Council which meets on a quarterly basis to review feedback on developments and at the same time to highlight difficulties encountered at the grassroots especially at the implementation level. This could be even regarded as a (Critical) Social Dialogue Process.
Monday, September 28, 2009
comment from Dr KS Bala of University Malaya
From:
Date: Tue, Sep 29, 2009 at 7:51 AM
Subject: Re: Fwd: Findings of the working group discussions August 24 to 26 on Tenth Malaysia Plan at PM Office
To: denison jayasooria
Dear Datuk Dr Denison,
Thanks for updating us with a very lucid report. It looks fine to me. Areas like projects already done by the existing agencies in the past, needs a bit more details on nature of projects (activities and funds allocated) or grants received and distributed. This will tell how much the community has received from government grants/loan etc. On Indian equity, it is important to highlight strongly that it belongs to the a small numbers of business leaders.
If we get more detail statistics from government on actual state of Indian employment in civil service, grants given to schools and other facilities, this report will get better and better and would satisfy people's expectation more. Statistics on percentage of licenses on many sectors can be staggering and demands more work from the political party and government.
Overall, you have done a great job Dato. Managing a Forum of this nature is not all that easy, Congrats. I do admire your communications skills. Bless you.
Date: Tue, Sep 29, 2009 at 7:51 AM
Subject: Re: Fwd: Findings of the working group discussions August 24 to 26 on Tenth Malaysia Plan at PM Office
To: denison jayasooria
Dear Datuk Dr Denison,
Thanks for updating us with a very lucid report. It looks fine to me. Areas like projects already done by the existing agencies in the past, needs a bit more details on nature of projects (activities and funds allocated) or grants received and distributed. This will tell how much the community has received from government grants/loan etc. On Indian equity, it is important to highlight strongly that it belongs to the a small numbers of business leaders.
If we get more detail statistics from government on actual state of Indian employment in civil service, grants given to schools and other facilities, this report will get better and better and would satisfy people's expectation more. Statistics on percentage of licenses on many sectors can be staggering and demands more work from the political party and government.
Overall, you have done a great job Dato. Managing a Forum of this nature is not all that easy, Congrats. I do admire your communications skills. Bless you.
Analyzing the 10th Malaysia Plan & Malaysian Indians
By Dr. Kamal Sadiq,
Visiting Professor, Institute of Ethnic Studies (KITA), UKM
(A review of the working groups and their views on the theme of “Tenth Malaysia Plan and Malaysian Indians”. These groups met from August 24-26, 2009 at the Office of the Deputy Minister, YB Dato S.K. Devamany, Prime Minister’s Office,Putrajaya, Malaysia. Paper presented on September 15, 2009
1) Identity Gap
Who are we? Identifying the different groups that comprise Malaysian Indian is a crucial first step.
There is a gap between the official identity of the community and the diversity of groups it purports to represent.
Current understandings of the Indian community are too narrow, they reduce the Malaysian Indian community to the “Tamil” Hindu community. Regional, ethnic, caste and religious diversity of Malaysian Indians has to be acknowledged and represented in the leadership and institutions of the community. This diversity is a cultural resource that the community can positively deploy to strengthen 1Malaysia.
Moreover, issues of cultural and economic development can only be addressed if the targeted groups and their specific needs are clearly identified. For example, the Sikh Indian community has its own language (Punjabi, Gurmukhi script) and religious tradition (Sikhism). The Gujarati’s—both Hindus and Muslims—have their own traditions.
Does the Malaysian Indian leadership and institutions represent and struggle for them? Malayalam speakers originally from Kerala, Telugu speakers originally from Andhra-Pradesh have different cultural traditions from the Tamil community. They have their own religious deities and linguistic traditions. They pose a diverse set of challenges as Malaysian Indians.
Additionally, there is diversity within the Tamil community; i) a multiplicity of religions such as the Tamil Muslims, Christians (many of whom are lower caste converts); ii) different caste’s; iii) different classes. Recognizing this diversity means recognizing the variety of their needs. For example, are different caste’s/classes equally represented within the institutions of the Malaysian Indian community?
Disaggregating the Indian community has the advantage of revealing the specific targets for development funds. Through disaggregation, the Indian leadership can become more inclusive to communities who might otherwise be marginalized.
Only then can one ask the Indian leadership: Is the Malaysian Indian poverty specifically afflicting the lower caste’s (and classes) from the Tamil community? What have they done to make sure Indian Sikhs are not identified as “lain lain” but as Malaysian Indians? What is their development plan for the specific needs of the Indian Hindu, Indian Sikh, Indian Christian and Indian Muslim community?
2) Private Sector Gap
The Indian community is demanding positions and funds from the state at a time when globalization is going to generate more opportunities in the private sector. If the Indian community, like sections of the Malay community become too dependent on the state, they will not develop the skill tools or the confidence to face the competition in the K-economy.
First, tremendous wealth can be generated by collaborating in joint-ventures with one of the largest and fastest growing economy in the world—India. This potential is being recognized by Europe, United States and Japan and yet I do not see a comprehensive Malaysian Indian plan in this regard. The Malaysian Indian community has definite cultural and historical advantages with regard to investment in the huge Indian economy, independent of governmental efforts.
Second, the Indian political leadership should exert more pressure on the Chinese business community to hire Indians (and Malays) in crucial sectors of the economy. Striving towards a merit based economy becomes irrelevant if the large and expanding private economy is dominated by one group. If Indians (and Malays) fail to actively seek and hold high and critical positions in the private sector, remaining solely dependent on governmental largess, the private sector gap will increase further. For this, the Malaysian Indian leadership should launch a national campaign, backed by economic surveys, to increase the Indian representation in the private economy, especially at high levels in the corporate sector.
In short, Indians need to tap the potential of the private sector and become key players in the K-economy.
3) Delivery Gap
The government claims pumping hundreds of millions of Ringgit into the development of the Indian community, yet the community believes very little is reaching them. Clearly, the delivery system of the government is unable to reach sections of the community. What are the components of the delivery system that the government relies on for reaching the community? MIC and the Malaysian bureaucracy are the pillars of this delivery system.
The government is allocating funds to the MIC/Bureaucracy for disbursement, and yet, it is not reaching the community. A possible reason for failure to address the developmental problems of the Indian community is misallocation or outright corruption, especially at lower levels in the delivery chain. There are several ways to mend the delivery system.
New Leadership: The government should pressure the MIC to be more inclusive by bringing in newer leaders more in touch with the community’s needs. The Indian community is changing, its needs are evolving, and yet, MIC is struggling to keep up with the changing desires of this evolving community. There is a serious disconnect between the old leadership and the needs of the Malaysian Indians 2020. The community and the state badly need fundamental institutional and leadership reforms. I strongly recommend that both MIC and the government work closely with Indian NGO’s to channel development funds. The very active NGO’s in the community can be a critical asset at the frontlines of development.
Transparency: Essential to allocating funds to the “new” leadership at MIC or the NGOs is a fundamental commitment to complete transparency. All the funds allocated should be online, , detailed, comprehensive, and easily understood through the websites of government allocating agencies, MIC and NGOs. Every penny should be accounted for online by the disbursing agency. Increased transparency means effective communication with the diverse sections of the Malaysian Indian community.
Reforming Bureaucracy: According to the discussions in the Working Group, the state bureaucracy’s focus on Malay development needs, has desensitized it to the desires of the Indian community. If this is the case, the Indian community should encourage the government to hire and upgrade new Indian talent into the bureaucracy and place them at critical delivery points. It matters who is at the point of contact locally with the Indian community. For example, for problems commonly shared across communities—such as Malay and Indian poverty—the government should be encouraged to send a mix of Malay/Indian bureaucrats to the region. Moving to a K-economy requires pooling a diversity of ethnic talents.
The question is not just to mend this delivery system, but to also incorporate mechanisms which directly target restoring public confidence. If development is in fact occurring, why do people believe otherwise?
4) Credibility Gap
Largely based on the grassroots experience of NGO’s and community networks, the Indian community strongly believes it has been economically marginalized since independence. Figures provided by economists/policy makers taken from the government [i.e. Economic Planning Unit (EPU)] contradict such assertions. According to governmental data, Bumiputera economic indicators are worse than Indian economic indicators (poverty and hardcore poverty, household income). A variety of economic indicators show Malaysian Indians to be making economic progress.
So, why does the Malaysian Indian community perceive itself to be marginalized or poor? Community activists are not imagining poverty or marginalization. I believe they are pointing to a critical structural problem: a rising credibility gap:
The Malaysian Indian community does not believe the validity of government data anymore.
There are several possibilities here. Either the government data is wrong, or it is incomplete, or it is correct but is not being communicated effectively. In either case, a distance is developing between the Indian community and the government.
5) Communication Gap
If Malaysia is to march towards a K-economy, it has to learn some lessons from India. Until the early 1990s, much of India’s governmental information was barely available, often classified as “confidential”. Procedures for foreign investment, insurgency in Kashmir, the condition of Muslims in India---were all “secrets”. Now, such information is available on the web, including comprehensive reports on the condition of the Muslim minority in India, governance in Kashmir, etc.
Formerly ‘sensitive” issues are available on government websites as a dossier of reports and reviews. They are being debated and discussed. The state has gained legitimacy, if not trust, in civil society as a result of this strategic transparency and e-governance.
K- Economy Requires Governance with Strategic Transparency. A responsive bureaucracy in the K-economy has to be quick, open and transparent. Why?
i) Too much secrecy breeds incompetence, a lack of accountability and unresponsiveness. The bureaucracy becomes independent of the leadership and the community, generating and spending funds for its own survival and growth. A fossilized bureaucracy was the downfall of the Soviet Union, is the hurdle in India’s growth, and Japan’s dynamism.
ii) Communities can develop parallel structures of communication that suggest “conspiracy”. Because the state-data is not acceptable, civil society delinks itself from the government (including the MIC) to speak in conspiratorial terms. Hence, symbolic issues such as “the cow-head” controversy or the condition of “stateless Indians” has a domino effect in alienating the community.
The communication lines between the State/Malaysian Indian leadership and the community have to be repaired urgently.
Quick, public, and transparent communication of state action will generate trust
between community and government.
----------------------------
Dr. Kamal Sadiq, Associate Professor,Department of Political Science, University of California, Irvine,Irvine, CA 92697-5100;Email: kamal@uci.edu,Phone: 001+ 949-824-3126.
Findings of the Working Group Discussions (Part 3)
by Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria with the assistance of Mrs Jasmine Adaickalam and Mr Victor Joseph
4) RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1 Poverty & Social Ills
Poverty Eradication
o Issues pertaining to attaining birth certificates and identification. To determine the actual numbers of individuals and families affected. To chart a strategy to address all the backlog cases of applications. Creating awareness in order to ensure registration of new cases.
o Developing programmes to assist poor and low income families generate income. To identify all the poor, develop a data base and ensure the poor are able to tap into the services and programmes provided by Federal government (welfare, single mother services, skills training for youths etc.,)
o Identify all urban poor neighbourhoods where there is a high concentration of Indian families, strengthen neighbourhood leadership structures and ensure these families are able to access the services and programmes. Also utilise this network as agents for social support and social control at the local neighbourhood level
Social Ills & Crime Prevention
o Charting a concrete strategy to fight crime through crime prevention efforts, individual and family counselling, alternative programmes to divert those active in crime. To work with the Police, Crime Prevention Foundation and NGOs in undertaking this effort. Monitor crime figures and undertake substantive measures to lower crime involvement
o To undertake a comprehensive programme to address those who are currently under detention especially in their after care and work with their families
o Reference to Dato Jega’s paper on “Some ideas for the Indian community and Tenth Malaysian Plan” provides specific recommendations. Also reference to Dr Doris paper will be helpful to further develop the points.
o More NGOs, Faith Based Organisations (FBOs) must be empowered and given mandate to work with prisoners belonging to their Faith group to arrest the sentiment and perception of conversion, which is, the non Malays being converted to Islam(while in detention).
4.2 Employment opportunities & civil service recruitments
Civil Service Employment Opportunities
o Recommendation should be made to the government that an 8%-10% of all available civil sector employment opportunities at all levels should be allocated to the Malaysian Indian community in order to address their grievance that there are no opportunities for them in the Public Sector. This same policy should be applied to Government Linked Companies (GLCs) as well.
o It was also emphasised, that during the recruitment process, recruitments should not be made on the basis of the percentage of the Indian applicants as against the other community applications but rather taken in to fulfil the quota of the Malaysian Indians.
o Review GLC positions and requirements namely current number of Indians in the Boards, at senior management, professional & technical and supporting staff levels in order to imbue a balanced participation of Malaysian Indians.
Review & Feedback Mechanisms
o A Community Depository Centre is to be designed to monitor all applications, recruitments and rejections.
o In order to establish evidence based positioning of Malaysian Indians and also to determine the issues encountered by the community in securing civil service job opportunities and also the ensuing difficulties in seeking promotions a comprehensive study of Indians currently employed in the civil service at all levels and in all different services need to be undertaken.
o Great need to review opportunities for Indians in national primary and secondary schools including positions as Head Masters & Principals, also in roles such as district education officers. In a similar way at Universities and also the Police force a critical review with regards to the situation of Malaysian Indians needs to be undertaken. It was also suggested that the reasons need to be determined as to why there are no Indian DOs or ADOs at the District Offices.
o While looking into new avenues for increased Indian recruitment into government sector, a concrete proactive strategy for career development and promotions of the existing Malaysian Indian staff also needs to be charted out.
Civil Service & Cultural Pluralism
o Establish some mechanism to train the staff and officials in government agencies and departments on matters pertinent to religious and cultural pluralism and to equip them with the needed sensitivity to be effective with ethnic minorities. Government much urgently and aggressively promote a multi cultural environment or 1malaysia environment in government sectors.
o Ensure effective and more representation of Indians in critical locations where there is a high percentage of Indians and also in departments and agencies such as Police, National Unity, Human Resources, JKM, and so on.
o BM requirement for recruitment in civil service sector needs to be relaxed in order to increase Indian intake but it should be ensured that within the next 3 years and before confirmation they secure the required credit in Malay language competency
4.3 Business & Entrepreneurship Development
Information Management & Dissemination
o Provide more information/awareness to the community on existing schemes and programmes such as micro credit through Yayasan Tekun and AIM. Also all other available schemes.
o Publicity must be more aggressive and must be directed to the right target group at the grassroots
o Strengthen networking among relevant government agencies and Indian based organizations especially the business associations and chambers in order for greater dissemination of data
Social Preparedness
o Organise social preparation programmes especially for the low income on enlarging income through micro businesses. Mindset change programmes and business/basic business planning and accounting skills are needed
o Undertake business awareness and appreciation courses especially targeting young people and single mothers to undertake self employment in micro enterprises
Effective Delivery of Services (Collaborative, Integrated & Wholesome)
o Undertake a study/review of the difficulties facing Indians in accessing these services on a regular basis in order to improve efficiency in delivery
o Organise and run effective business training programmes and make funds/grants available for undergraduate studies in business management and entrepreneurship development. (Ref to separate paper by Dato Joseph Adaikalam, Binary University College)
o Develop close links with commercial banks to address perception problems of Indian borrowers as well the bankers themselves. Aggressive intervention is needed to clear existing prejudices
o Develop Indian participation in the Banking industry by reviving some great share as the community did in the United Asia Bank.
o Develop self help groups and cooperative micro credit associations where values such as good governance, accountability, participation, empowerment, vision setting and leadership development are fostered. Government should provide seed funds and support such developments by also enabling a good team of promoters
o Secure permits and licenses for taxis, factory buses and lorries. Undertake a study to determine current operators who are renting such permits and licenses and make provision for them to secure it.
o Developing family budgeting and financial management such as saving is essential. To work through community groups and NGOs to undertake such programmes is essential.
o Encourage the development of Malay-Indian partnership schemes. Refer to Dato Jega’s specific recommendations in this context. Also his paper for many other suggestions in business development
o Ensure Indian participation in vendor development programme, franchise programme and venture capital schemes
o Ensure Indians secure 10% of the GLC’s procurement which is estimated to be at RM80billion
o Indigenous capabilities of the community are resources and contributors to nation’s wealth. They must be adequately captured and repackaged accordingly.
o It was felt that certain government agencies prefer to work only with certain groups or NGOs. As a result, programmes are not getting its ideal target reach. In order to reap the entire benefits of these programmes, the agencies should include all effective NGOs on the ground to deliver the product.
o Chart out all potential new business opportunities or areas one can expand into in the markets for economic empowerment
o Promote successful business models to encourage youth participation and mindset change
o Develop incubator models / “business angels” and schemes to nurture new businesses and enable them to eventually be more independent.
o Encourage Indian businesses to recruit local youths into employment rather than recruiting foreign workers. Also make it mandatory for them to encourage the development of training. Currently all the major Indian traditional business are totally dependent on workers from South India.
o On increasing Indian equity ownership ensure appointment of Indians in public listed companies and at senior management level.
o Indians must be appointed into all business related commissions, banks, GLC where Federal Government has a controlling interest
o There are a growing number of Malaysian Indian talents. Many of our local Malaysian-Indian artists are being endorsed by bigger group of audience including the South Indian cinema industry. These talents (musicians, singers, actors, actresses, dance groups, etc) and this nature of entrepreneurship must be duly recognized and assisted via adequate scope of sponsorships / funding.
4.4 Education & Training Opportunities
Pre-School Level
o Pre-school education is very important but it is sad that there is no clear and comprehensive agenda on this matter especially for the Indian children registering in Tamil schools.
Tamil Schools/Primary Schools
o All Tamil schools should be given the status of being fully aided. The distinction must be abolished and all schools must be adequately funded to provide modern infrastructure facilities as 108,000 Indian children are undertaking this channel for their primary education.
o Improve the quality of Bahasa Malaysia teaching and learning in Tamil schools so that these students secure high proficiency in the language
o Education Ministry must ensure that at least 50% of Tamil schools teachers are able to secure a degree by 2015.
o Greater community participation and access to information on the funds allocated for Tamil school building development should be encouraged in order to avoid misconceptions. Develop a website where data is made available.
o It was suggested that the Federal Government establishes a Tamil School Development Board comprising of prominent Indians who are passionately involved in developing the image of Tamil schools. (See separate paper by Elanjelian)
Secondaryo Review the Remove class and its effectiveness.
o Provide an alternative route for academically weak students into a combination of skills development courses and academic classes with a stronger emphasis on hands on training from age 13 onwards
o Federal Government should introduce a single system for higher secondary school leavers as opposed to the current two systems.
o Review the teaching of morals and introduce multi cultural and religious awareness/appreciation during those periods
Tertiary
o Need to increase post secondary opportunities for Indian youths in fields such as, technical, industrial, agricultural, medical, vocational, educational etc
o Admission to higher education institutions especially in critical courses is urgently needed. Career guidance in making applications and follow up also requires organized effort.
o Important to ensure that UPSI provides adequate number of places for Tamil language teachers at the graduate level, at least a minimum of 120 places a year
o Important to ensure that adequate number Indians are recruited into teacher training institutes not only for Tamil schools but also national primary and secondary schools.
General
o Affirmative action must be clearly spelt out for Indian students especially in terms of educational opportunities
o The nature of technical training provided by our institutions is either too above the current industry needs or doesn’t prepare the students to attain their fullest capabilities. There is a technological mismatch and this affects the employability of the young person.
o Develop multi-lingual capabilities and multi-cultural and religious appreciation in children by introducing specific policies and programmes from pre-school, primary and secondary schools
o Foster a multi cultural school environment in pre schools, primary and secondary including ensure a fair mix composition of teachers
o Develop a strong personality and character development content in schools
o Target academically weak and youths prone to anti-social behaviour in the school system and develop a comprehensive intervention programme including parental guidance and family support programmes
o Language development of community languages including Punjabi, Telugu and Malayalam. Federal Government makes some funds available to religious and cultural groups to implement this scheme for teaching, preparation of materials etc. Also make these subjects available at UPSR, PMR & SPM as optional exam papers
4.5 Delivery & Implementation
Sensitization & Collaborative Environment
o Key issue is how to ensure that public sector is culturally attractive to all Malaysians ie a friendly environment for all communities. At the same time how to change Indian mindset and perception to take advantage of the services and programmes
o Need for greater cooperation and collaboration from all parties especially political, social, religious and cultural organizations among the various Indian sub groups. Creating a friendly and inclusive environment for partnership and joint action is imperative.
o Urgent need for Federal Government to strengthen the secretariat for the Indian community programmes. Currently EPU has one contact officer and Human Resources Ministry at the Minister’s office has another. A dedicated professional, technical and administrative support team is urgently necessary to strengthen delivery and enlarge delivery
o A National Consultative Council of Indian Organisations must be established by the Federal Government to win civil society and NGOs including community based, religious, cultural, business, professional and recreational organisations. This will be an accountability group, also securing support and promotion in the community. Important to ensure all communities are represented. A system of accreditation needs to be established
Data Centric, Measurable & Continuous Evaluation Mechanism
o An outcome based model of delivery and implementation must be in place; the logic model / framework will be helpful. Clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Key Result Areas (KRAs) must be identified, measured, monitored and evaluated on a periodical basis.
o There is a great need to be transparent with central database. Denial of actual data may lead groups into creating their own set of ‘authentic’ data which are then translated into anti-government sentiments. This will further affect the delivery and implementation mechanisms which are already in place.
General
o Ensuring a larger and broad based civil society organization be involved in the delivery of promotions of skills training, micro loans among youths and women as well as in undertaking social programmes is essential.
-----------------------
FINDINGS OF THE TENTH MALAYSIA PLAN WORKING GROUP DISCUSSIONS HELD FROM AUGUST 24 TO 26, 2009, AT THE DEPUTY MINISTER’S OFFICE IN PRIME MINISTER’S DEPARTMENT AT BANGUNAN PERDANA PUTRA, PUTRAJAYA
4) RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1 Poverty & Social Ills
Poverty Eradication
o Issues pertaining to attaining birth certificates and identification. To determine the actual numbers of individuals and families affected. To chart a strategy to address all the backlog cases of applications. Creating awareness in order to ensure registration of new cases.
o Developing programmes to assist poor and low income families generate income. To identify all the poor, develop a data base and ensure the poor are able to tap into the services and programmes provided by Federal government (welfare, single mother services, skills training for youths etc.,)
o Identify all urban poor neighbourhoods where there is a high concentration of Indian families, strengthen neighbourhood leadership structures and ensure these families are able to access the services and programmes. Also utilise this network as agents for social support and social control at the local neighbourhood level
Social Ills & Crime Prevention
o Charting a concrete strategy to fight crime through crime prevention efforts, individual and family counselling, alternative programmes to divert those active in crime. To work with the Police, Crime Prevention Foundation and NGOs in undertaking this effort. Monitor crime figures and undertake substantive measures to lower crime involvement
o To undertake a comprehensive programme to address those who are currently under detention especially in their after care and work with their families
o Reference to Dato Jega’s paper on “Some ideas for the Indian community and Tenth Malaysian Plan” provides specific recommendations. Also reference to Dr Doris paper will be helpful to further develop the points.
o More NGOs, Faith Based Organisations (FBOs) must be empowered and given mandate to work with prisoners belonging to their Faith group to arrest the sentiment and perception of conversion, which is, the non Malays being converted to Islam(while in detention).
4.2 Employment opportunities & civil service recruitments
Civil Service Employment Opportunities
o Recommendation should be made to the government that an 8%-10% of all available civil sector employment opportunities at all levels should be allocated to the Malaysian Indian community in order to address their grievance that there are no opportunities for them in the Public Sector. This same policy should be applied to Government Linked Companies (GLCs) as well.
o It was also emphasised, that during the recruitment process, recruitments should not be made on the basis of the percentage of the Indian applicants as against the other community applications but rather taken in to fulfil the quota of the Malaysian Indians.
o Review GLC positions and requirements namely current number of Indians in the Boards, at senior management, professional & technical and supporting staff levels in order to imbue a balanced participation of Malaysian Indians.
Review & Feedback Mechanisms
o A Community Depository Centre is to be designed to monitor all applications, recruitments and rejections.
o In order to establish evidence based positioning of Malaysian Indians and also to determine the issues encountered by the community in securing civil service job opportunities and also the ensuing difficulties in seeking promotions a comprehensive study of Indians currently employed in the civil service at all levels and in all different services need to be undertaken.
o Great need to review opportunities for Indians in national primary and secondary schools including positions as Head Masters & Principals, also in roles such as district education officers. In a similar way at Universities and also the Police force a critical review with regards to the situation of Malaysian Indians needs to be undertaken. It was also suggested that the reasons need to be determined as to why there are no Indian DOs or ADOs at the District Offices.
o While looking into new avenues for increased Indian recruitment into government sector, a concrete proactive strategy for career development and promotions of the existing Malaysian Indian staff also needs to be charted out.
Civil Service & Cultural Pluralism
o Establish some mechanism to train the staff and officials in government agencies and departments on matters pertinent to religious and cultural pluralism and to equip them with the needed sensitivity to be effective with ethnic minorities. Government much urgently and aggressively promote a multi cultural environment or 1malaysia environment in government sectors.
o Ensure effective and more representation of Indians in critical locations where there is a high percentage of Indians and also in departments and agencies such as Police, National Unity, Human Resources, JKM, and so on.
o BM requirement for recruitment in civil service sector needs to be relaxed in order to increase Indian intake but it should be ensured that within the next 3 years and before confirmation they secure the required credit in Malay language competency
4.3 Business & Entrepreneurship Development
Information Management & Dissemination
o Provide more information/awareness to the community on existing schemes and programmes such as micro credit through Yayasan Tekun and AIM. Also all other available schemes.
o Publicity must be more aggressive and must be directed to the right target group at the grassroots
o Strengthen networking among relevant government agencies and Indian based organizations especially the business associations and chambers in order for greater dissemination of data
Social Preparedness
o Organise social preparation programmes especially for the low income on enlarging income through micro businesses. Mindset change programmes and business/basic business planning and accounting skills are needed
o Undertake business awareness and appreciation courses especially targeting young people and single mothers to undertake self employment in micro enterprises
Effective Delivery of Services (Collaborative, Integrated & Wholesome)
o Undertake a study/review of the difficulties facing Indians in accessing these services on a regular basis in order to improve efficiency in delivery
o Organise and run effective business training programmes and make funds/grants available for undergraduate studies in business management and entrepreneurship development. (Ref to separate paper by Dato Joseph Adaikalam, Binary University College)
o Develop close links with commercial banks to address perception problems of Indian borrowers as well the bankers themselves. Aggressive intervention is needed to clear existing prejudices
o Develop Indian participation in the Banking industry by reviving some great share as the community did in the United Asia Bank.
o Develop self help groups and cooperative micro credit associations where values such as good governance, accountability, participation, empowerment, vision setting and leadership development are fostered. Government should provide seed funds and support such developments by also enabling a good team of promoters
o Secure permits and licenses for taxis, factory buses and lorries. Undertake a study to determine current operators who are renting such permits and licenses and make provision for them to secure it.
o Developing family budgeting and financial management such as saving is essential. To work through community groups and NGOs to undertake such programmes is essential.
o Encourage the development of Malay-Indian partnership schemes. Refer to Dato Jega’s specific recommendations in this context. Also his paper for many other suggestions in business development
o Ensure Indian participation in vendor development programme, franchise programme and venture capital schemes
o Ensure Indians secure 10% of the GLC’s procurement which is estimated to be at RM80billion
o Indigenous capabilities of the community are resources and contributors to nation’s wealth. They must be adequately captured and repackaged accordingly.
o It was felt that certain government agencies prefer to work only with certain groups or NGOs. As a result, programmes are not getting its ideal target reach. In order to reap the entire benefits of these programmes, the agencies should include all effective NGOs on the ground to deliver the product.
o Chart out all potential new business opportunities or areas one can expand into in the markets for economic empowerment
o Promote successful business models to encourage youth participation and mindset change
o Develop incubator models / “business angels” and schemes to nurture new businesses and enable them to eventually be more independent.
o Encourage Indian businesses to recruit local youths into employment rather than recruiting foreign workers. Also make it mandatory for them to encourage the development of training. Currently all the major Indian traditional business are totally dependent on workers from South India.
o On increasing Indian equity ownership ensure appointment of Indians in public listed companies and at senior management level.
o Indians must be appointed into all business related commissions, banks, GLC where Federal Government has a controlling interest
o There are a growing number of Malaysian Indian talents. Many of our local Malaysian-Indian artists are being endorsed by bigger group of audience including the South Indian cinema industry. These talents (musicians, singers, actors, actresses, dance groups, etc) and this nature of entrepreneurship must be duly recognized and assisted via adequate scope of sponsorships / funding.
4.4 Education & Training Opportunities
Pre-School Level
o Pre-school education is very important but it is sad that there is no clear and comprehensive agenda on this matter especially for the Indian children registering in Tamil schools.
Tamil Schools/Primary Schools
o All Tamil schools should be given the status of being fully aided. The distinction must be abolished and all schools must be adequately funded to provide modern infrastructure facilities as 108,000 Indian children are undertaking this channel for their primary education.
o Improve the quality of Bahasa Malaysia teaching and learning in Tamil schools so that these students secure high proficiency in the language
o Education Ministry must ensure that at least 50% of Tamil schools teachers are able to secure a degree by 2015.
o Greater community participation and access to information on the funds allocated for Tamil school building development should be encouraged in order to avoid misconceptions. Develop a website where data is made available.
o It was suggested that the Federal Government establishes a Tamil School Development Board comprising of prominent Indians who are passionately involved in developing the image of Tamil schools. (See separate paper by Elanjelian)
Secondaryo Review the Remove class and its effectiveness.
o Provide an alternative route for academically weak students into a combination of skills development courses and academic classes with a stronger emphasis on hands on training from age 13 onwards
o Federal Government should introduce a single system for higher secondary school leavers as opposed to the current two systems.
o Review the teaching of morals and introduce multi cultural and religious awareness/appreciation during those periods
Tertiary
o Need to increase post secondary opportunities for Indian youths in fields such as, technical, industrial, agricultural, medical, vocational, educational etc
o Admission to higher education institutions especially in critical courses is urgently needed. Career guidance in making applications and follow up also requires organized effort.
o Important to ensure that UPSI provides adequate number of places for Tamil language teachers at the graduate level, at least a minimum of 120 places a year
o Important to ensure that adequate number Indians are recruited into teacher training institutes not only for Tamil schools but also national primary and secondary schools.
General
o Affirmative action must be clearly spelt out for Indian students especially in terms of educational opportunities
o The nature of technical training provided by our institutions is either too above the current industry needs or doesn’t prepare the students to attain their fullest capabilities. There is a technological mismatch and this affects the employability of the young person.
o Develop multi-lingual capabilities and multi-cultural and religious appreciation in children by introducing specific policies and programmes from pre-school, primary and secondary schools
o Foster a multi cultural school environment in pre schools, primary and secondary including ensure a fair mix composition of teachers
o Develop a strong personality and character development content in schools
o Target academically weak and youths prone to anti-social behaviour in the school system and develop a comprehensive intervention programme including parental guidance and family support programmes
o Language development of community languages including Punjabi, Telugu and Malayalam. Federal Government makes some funds available to religious and cultural groups to implement this scheme for teaching, preparation of materials etc. Also make these subjects available at UPSR, PMR & SPM as optional exam papers
4.5 Delivery & Implementation
Sensitization & Collaborative Environment
o Key issue is how to ensure that public sector is culturally attractive to all Malaysians ie a friendly environment for all communities. At the same time how to change Indian mindset and perception to take advantage of the services and programmes
o Need for greater cooperation and collaboration from all parties especially political, social, religious and cultural organizations among the various Indian sub groups. Creating a friendly and inclusive environment for partnership and joint action is imperative.
o Urgent need for Federal Government to strengthen the secretariat for the Indian community programmes. Currently EPU has one contact officer and Human Resources Ministry at the Minister’s office has another. A dedicated professional, technical and administrative support team is urgently necessary to strengthen delivery and enlarge delivery
o A National Consultative Council of Indian Organisations must be established by the Federal Government to win civil society and NGOs including community based, religious, cultural, business, professional and recreational organisations. This will be an accountability group, also securing support and promotion in the community. Important to ensure all communities are represented. A system of accreditation needs to be established
Data Centric, Measurable & Continuous Evaluation Mechanism
o An outcome based model of delivery and implementation must be in place; the logic model / framework will be helpful. Clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Key Result Areas (KRAs) must be identified, measured, monitored and evaluated on a periodical basis.
o There is a great need to be transparent with central database. Denial of actual data may lead groups into creating their own set of ‘authentic’ data which are then translated into anti-government sentiments. This will further affect the delivery and implementation mechanisms which are already in place.
General
o Ensuring a larger and broad based civil society organization be involved in the delivery of promotions of skills training, micro loans among youths and women as well as in undertaking social programmes is essential.
-----------------------
FINDINGS OF THE TENTH MALAYSIA PLAN WORKING GROUP DISCUSSIONS HELD FROM AUGUST 24 TO 26, 2009, AT THE DEPUTY MINISTER’S OFFICE IN PRIME MINISTER’S DEPARTMENT AT BANGUNAN PERDANA PUTRA, PUTRAJAYA
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