Role of civil society among People of Indian Origin is important to address discriminatory policy of Government: Dr. M. Mahalingam
Published Date: Sunday, May 29, 2016
Speaking at the book Launch and seminar held on 28th May, 2016, at India International Centre, New Delhi, organized by GRFDT in association with Institute of Ethnic Studies (KITA) and National University of Malaysia, Dr. Mahalingam, president of GRFDT highlisted the “The Political Economy of Contemporary Malaysian Indians”. He discussed the role of political economic model of Malaysia for the socio-economic development of the Malaysian Indians. He analyzed the role of the ruling government in context of the poverty reduction and welfare measures for the Malaysian Indian over the years. Although, the ruling government has been disbursing funds under the neo-liberal model for the economic development of this community, it has not been successful in changing the condition of the people of Indian origin. Despite having investment in various sectors, the conditions of Malaysian Indians remain unchanged and rate of urban poverty has raised due to lack of employment, institutional development, health benefits and other social welfare benefits. He critically addressed the role of civil society, non-government organizations (NGOs) and HINDRAF movements for safeguarding the rights of Indo-Tamils in Malaysia.