Mr K Barmasevam : YSS Assistant Director

Mr. Edward McBride is the South East Asia correspondent to ‘The Economist’ and currently operates from Bangkok, Thailand. He made a four-day visit to Malaysia. The purpose of his visit is to write about ‘The Indian Community In Malaysia,’ and ‘The current market value capital in Malaysia.’

On 19 February 2003, in the morning he met up with Dr. Denison Jayasooria, Executive Director of Yayasan Strategik Sosial. Dr. Denison briefed him on the status of Indian community in Malaysia. He also talked about the social programmes organised and implemented by YSS and the research undertaken for the upliftment and betterment of Indians.

In the evening, he made field visit to Petaling Utama, to show the squatter relocation to low cost flats. He got an opportunity to meet up with the local people to understand their struggle and lifestyle. Then he visited the YSS centre at Petaling Utama and met the YSS Community Officer Mr. Ismail B. Abd. Aziz.

After that, he visited Mr. Ramalingam, one of the victims of Kg. Medan incident who resides at Kg. Semarak squatter area. He discussed with him about how the incident took place and the type of injuries he sustained. The victim explained and elaborated well.

Mr. Arunagiri, another YSS officer and myself took him to Rumah Panjang KTM, where he had the opportunity meet the local committee members and discussed about the social programmes carried out by YSS and the involvement of government in their area. In between, he also visited the YSS Computer Centre.

Finally he understood the struggles and lifestyle of the squatter residents in the midst of a rapid urban development.