LETTER | As the nation gears up for the state elections, Indian leaders in the country need to safeguard the community from any threats and unite towards a common goal - to improve the well-being and livelihoods of fellow Indians in the country.
The time for half-hearted promises is over as addressing the issues facing the Indian community requires immediate action.
Our calls for progress should be heard loud and clear and not be ignored or risk being silenced.
The groundwork we put in today will pave the way for a better future for generations to come.
Now is the time for change and I call upon all Indian leaders from across the political spectrum, including those from Pakatan Harapan and MIC, as well as representatives from NGOs and community leaders, to unite and work with determination to uplift our community.
The Indian community in Malaysia, with its rich cultural heritage, has been an important part of our nation-building process but despite their great contributions, many continue to suffer from socio-economic issues.
Unemployment rates among Indians remain unacceptably high, access to quality education is still an issue, and greater representation in various sectors is urgently needed.
The plight of Indian youths, particularly those in vulnerable communities, demands immediate attention to break the cycle of poverty and marginalisation.
Enough is enough! Selangor, with its vibrant Indian community, is ripe for transformation. By actively engaging with the unity government, I see an opportunity to shape policies that benefit the community.
Our collective vision should not be hindered by internal squabbles as the development of the Indian community in Selangor should take priority, driven by good collaboration and understanding.
The unity government's commitment to addressing core Indian community issues has instilled a renewed sense of optimism.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's pledge to address these issues within one year, along with the acknowledgement by MIC president SA Vigneswaran, signifies a promising direction.
We need to take advantage of this by uniting and ensuring this translates into real actions. The time for complacency is over.
Political will needed to transform community
We need political will and sheer determination to ensure that promises made to the Indian community are implemented.
And I urge Indian leaders to actively engage the government and contribute valuable insights to shape policies that cater to the specific needs of the community.
No more excuses! Let us be relentless in our pursuit of a more inclusive and prosperous society. By casting aside political differences and being a collective force, we will amplify our efforts and build an environment where every Indian thrives.
Together, we have the power to create an impact and pave the way for a brighter future for all Malaysians of Indian descent.
We must stand united, undeterred and unyielding in our mission to empower and uplift the Indian community.
And we will redefine the future of our community, where every Indian's dreams and aspirations are achieved in Malaysia.
Author is a former assemblyperson for Sentosa, Selangor.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
