Social Identity and Malaysian Indians

While a majority of Malaysian Indians have benefited from the developments taking place in Malaysia and are experiencing a good quality of life, there is a section of our community, which has encountered the negative impact of urbanisation and modernisation.

In an attempt to address the social problems faced by urban Indian youths the MIC’s social research arm, the Yayasan Strategik Sosial has been undertaking a neighbourhood based approach to social work.

The YSS team has been mobilising and building the capacity of local communities living in ‘high risk areas’ to provide social control and support mechanisms. Through specific targeting and systematic intervention among ‘high risk youths’, educationally underachieving students and dysfunctional families, we are making an impact in their lives and moulding them as responsible citizens of our land.

I thank the Cabinet Committee on Addressing Social Ills chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister for making available RM5.4 million for 2002 and 2003 from the RM20 million approved. Our request is that an increased allocation be made for 2004 & 2005, as these activities will be scaled up with an enlarged outreach. The partnership with relevant agencies must be further strengthened. In addition to the Ministry of National Unity and Social Development, the Ministry for Youth and Sports must play a dynamic role as well in addressing the problems faced by Indian youths.

(Extract from the Address by MIC President Dato Seri S. Samy Vellu at the 57th MIC General Assembly entitled Towards a new identity: Malaysian Indians in a globalised society, held on May 10, 2003 at the PWTC, Kuala Lumpur)

(Submitted on 10th May 2003)