A FORMER minister said every sector in the country is witnessing growth under the leadership of Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Dr Xavier Jayakumar said efforts by the Madani Government to institute change is evident and the recent Mahkota by-election victory is sound proof that the people are recognising this.
“Unfortunately, there is a sentiment among Indians that their problems are often overlooked by any government that comes into power.
“However, when such claims are made by those from within the Pakatan Harapan administration itself, one wonders if such a statement is sincere or motivated by hidden agendas.
“The struggles of the Indian community are not new, and it's no surprise that these issues resurface more vocally during election seasons.,” said the former Minister of Water, Land and Natural Resources and Selangor State Assemblyman
He said everyone was aware that the problems the Indian community faces did not arise overnight, nor will they be resolved immediately.
“However, we must acknowledge that the government has already begun taking steps to alleviate these issues, and it must be recognised that the Prime Minister is working sincerely and honestly to address them.
“As evidence, Anwar recently held his third meeting with Indian representatives in Parliament, State Assemblies, and the Senate, outlining both what the government has already done and what it plans to do for the Indian community.
“Within just a year and a half of taking office as Prime Minister, Anwar has had three meetings with Indian representatives, demonstrating the importance he places on the Indian community,” he said.
He said this also reflects his genuine concern for the community.
He said that previously, many of the problems faced by the Indian community were due to those who claimed to be partners in the nation’s development but failed to grant the community the status of true partners.
“We know that the leadership of that time, along with the government officers, did not show concern for our issues or consider our problems as those of the nation.
“For a long time, there has been a mindset that this country belongs to one race alone.
“Anwar’s efforts are a psychological endeavour to remove this thinking from the minds of government officials and leaders,” he added.
During the third meeting last week between the Prime Minister and the Indian Members of Parliament, State Assemblymen, and Senators, many issues faced by the Indian community were raised, said Dr Xavier.
However, he said that while everything proceeded smoothly during the meeting, some comments made later, in what seemed like an exclusive interview with Malaysia Nanban, have sparked unnecessary unrest among the Indian community.
“I am personally very disappointed over remarks made by notable politician Ganapathy Rao, who reportedly said, “As a former Hindraf activist and a person who raised the people’s awareness, I feel a deep responsibility.”
“Are these comments an attempt to make himself a hero or to use Hindraf as a means to intimidate the Prime Minister?
“Is Ganapathy Rao labelling those who raised concerns with the Prime Minister as mere opportunists and cowards?,” he asked.
He said the question of honesty should not be raised for the Prime Minister or Pakatan Harapan but for Ganapathy Rao himself, whose actions seem more self-serving.
“I humbly urge the Indian community to carefully evaluate such statements and the sincerity behind them,” he added. - September 30, 2024
