Social Impact of Change and Political Responses

As a nation, Malaysia is undergoing tremendous changes that have brought improvements to the quality of life to a majority of people. The changes are in line with the global shift towards a knowledge based society. We see the major infrastructure and economic development projects all around us due to the policies of the BN Government that is bring economic development to all Malaysians. It is therefore imperative for all Malaysia to tap the opportunities available at cross sectional dimensions of life.

In this road towards economic success there are vulnerable sections, which experience the negative impact and become victims of development. A major casualty in this process is the family. Rapid urbanisation and changes in work pattern have had tremendous strain on the family unit especially with certain sections of the Indian community namely low-income families residing in squatters and estates.

Single Mothers & Victims of Domestic violence

The plight of single mothers and women who are victims of domestic violence has come to public attention. Their dilemma is great especially in urban centers due to the lack of social support systems. Many of these women are in low paying jobs and they have the burden of raising the family with 2 to 3 children all alone. The MIC Women’s wing has secured a grant of RM58,000 from the Ministry for Women and Family Development to run some courses to enable these women to increase their income levels. The women’s section has been organising tailoring classes and these should be enlarged with other income generating skills programmes.

I would encourage the Women’s section to undertake a door to door survey in all squatters and estates where single mothers are living and organise them in small groups in order to ensure that their needs are met. Organise counseling and motivational programmes together with specific programmes to address some of their critical issues such as legal aid, financial assistance towards housing and education. Establish effective networks with other agencies and organizations working with women in order to be a link between these single mothers and the relevant service providing organizations.

High Risk Youths & Anti-social Behaviour

Research indicates that youths from low-income families with poor educational performance are at a higher risk of becoming deviant members of society. We note that those below 12 years of age tend to respond positively. However rebellion sets in the adolescence or early teenage period especially in lower secondary schools.

I request the youth section to work with the YSS who have identified the schools and organise social motivation and tuition programmes for academically weak students together with them. Career guidance and awareness programmes encouraging the youths to enlist for skills training is another possible programme. In doing these we must remember that we must organise effective follow-up programme rather than just the ‘one off, hit and run approach’ adopted in the past. Systematic targeting and planning is essential to ensure success in uplifting the community and eradicating social ills.

I am aware that the MIC Youths from Wilayah Kuala Lumpur led by the Batu Youth Division have organised an effective programme with about 150 secondary students enlisted in MLVK programmes during school hours. Other youth sections should emulate this good model.

Both TAFE Seremban and Kuala Lumpur have many opportunities for these students to pursue post seconday education. As the party owns these educational institutions we can continue to serve as effective links between the target group and the service provided.

Extracts taken from the Address by the MIC President, Dato Seri S.Samy Vellu at the 56th MIC Women & Youth General Assembly held on May 12, 2002 at PWTC, Kuala Lumpur.

(Submitted on 13th May 2002)