An Agenda For Action

Overcoming Social Ills in Malaysian Society, The Role of the Malaysian Indian Congress (Speech delivered on March 9, 1997 at the MIC Divisional Leaders Meeting at Dewan Nethaji, Kuala Lumpur)

Introduction
Malaysia is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Our vision is to become an industrialised nation by the year 2020. In our pursuit towards this we are currently undergoing rapid social changes. While this development is holistic in focus, Malaysian society is nonetheless today plagued by numerous social ills which are alarming and threatening the very fabric of our society.

Different reasons have been attributed for the emergence of social ills. The central analysis is the impact of the rapid economic changes which are eroding our traditional values and morals, displacing and dislocating people, especially youths.

The critical questions confronting us are:

* "What price are we willing to pay for progress?

* How can we re-discover the vitality within our spiritual and cultural traditions to cope with the modern challenges?

* What can we do together to arrest this decay?

The aim here is to provide a brief analysis of the social ills faced by Malaysian society in general and the Malaysian Indian society in particular. This serves as the basis for the MIC to develop an Agenda for Action and play our role in tackling these social problems, especially among young Indians.

Social ills Among Malaysians In General

The prevalence of social ills among Malaysian youths in general has escalated to horrific proportions. Youths aged between 16 and 25 years form the highest number involved in social problems like gangsterism and lepak.

A study in the Klang Valley among youths between the ages of 13 and 21, 70 percent smoked, 40 percent viewed pornography, 28 percent gambled and 14 percent abused drugs. In 1995 4,104 juvenile cases were reported compared to 2,480 cases in 1970. There is an increase of 62 percent in juvenile crimes in 25 years.

Others at risk are school dropouts. It is estimated that between 25,000 and 30,000 youths drop out or fail to further their studies beyond SPM. They are at risk of becoming victims of social ills.

About 18.5 percent of households in Malaysia are headed by women. A recent study showed that 66 percent of single parents had lost their spouses, 28 percent were divorced and six percent had been abandoned. Many such women are at risk of either poverty and other social ills such as working as GROs in nightclubs and karaoke lounges.

Social ills Among Malaysian Indians In Particular

The social ills enslaving sections of the Indian community, like gangsterism, alcoholism, domestic violence, women-led households and poverty, need no further elaboration. It is estimated that that there are more than 2,000 Indian-based gangs in the country. A recent study indicates that 28 percent of Indian youths do not go home after school in contrast to 10 percent of Chinese youths and 42 percent of Malays. These youths are at risk to the many social ills.

In a study coordinated by Dr Denison Jayasooria, MIC Youth identified the lack of business and employment opportunities followed by gangsterism and other behaviour problems as the most critical social problems faced. In contrast, MIC women leaders noted the lack of education and training opportunities as most critical. Both the Women and Youth sections noted the inferiority complex among youths and women.

The Response of the Malaysian Government

The Government has declared war against this social and moral decay. A high-level Cabinet Committee on Social Ills has been set up to tackle these pressing issues. Many research and strategic papers have been undertaken to address the problems. The programmes will be coordinated by the Ministry of National Unity & Social Development.

The focus of the Cabinet Committee is not to respond in an ad hoc manner but as a whole. It does not see quick fix solutions as a way out. The emphasis is on prevention without neglecting rehabilitation. It places emphasis on positive values such as discipline through moral and religious values.

Specific steps are being taken to mobilise a concerted effort by Government agencies, private sector, voluntary sector, religious institutions and neighbourhood groups to tackle the present crisis.

The Role of the Malaysian Indian Congress

While the MIC has made tremendous contributions in the areas of education, Indian investment in commerce and representation in Government, certain quarters have tended to unjustly blame the MIC for some of the social ills facing the Indian community, especially among Indian youths.

It is also sad to note that among some young aspiring leaders within the party, the true spirit of selfless service for the community and nation is compromised for selfish, short-term personal gain. This attitude will destroy the party and rob it of the original vision to serve the people.

A survey among MIC Youth and Women leaders noted that 78 percent of the divisional youth and 69 percent of the divisional women’s sections were not actively involved in addressing social problems among the Indian community. Some of the reasons are lack of interest in social involvement, lack of coordination and the lack of support from spouses.

The MIC with its divisions and branches is in an ideal position to coordinate a national concerted effort to stem out social ills in the Indian community. The MIC will take the lead and mobilise the community from the private and commercial sector, religious institutions, neighbourhood groups, social and cultural groups. The ultimate objective is to enable every Malaysian Indian to benefit from the opportunities created in our society.

This task can be organised at three levels:

National/Headquarters : A National Task Force will be set up to ensure effective coordination and monitoring of the programmes. A team of 10 persons will be drawn from the community and party. They will be responsible to encourage, motivate and challenge divisional leaders. These leaders will activate a national movement within the MIC to tackle social ills.

Training modules on family, community service, counselling, gender awareness will be prepared for use at grassroots level. Leadership modules will be prepared to train key people. The Task Force will also raise funds for use at other levels.

Division : Action Committees will be set up. Planning and feedback will be undertaken to ensure coordination for effective implementation. MIC members will also be training through short courses.

Divisions will concentrate on leadership development of members at the branch level. Inter-divisional game and family outings and exchange programmes could be organised.

Branch : There should be awareness programmes on social ills; courses on coping with social change and on values based on our cultural and religious traditions; specific action programmes in counselling and rehabilitating problem youths in the local community.

Branches should have Action Teams which are grassroots-based to address social ills. The teams should organise seminars on parental responsibility, marriage and childhood development, and have regular dialogues with youths. There also needs to be seminars for parents on educational success, instilling of values, and equipping youths with skills for modern living.

(Submitted on 1st January 2002)