Association Questions Timing Of Ex-mps’ Proposals For Indian Community

PETALING JAYA: The president of an Indian association has questioned the timing of proposals by two former MPs to uplift the Indian community, saying he had not seen them display any urgency to roll out such initiatives previously.

Steven Theventharan, who heads the Selangor Wilayah Indian Business Association, said in a statement that “the problems facing the Indian community did not begin in 2026”.

He said Charles Santiago was the Klang MP for three terms from 2008, while former Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli had served as an economy minister since 2022 and had presented many “formulas, economic models and grand ideas.”

The question of timing applied even more strongly to Rafizi. “Where were these specific proposals for the Indian community when he had the position and opportunity to push for their implementation? Out of the blue, you are caring for the Indian community?” he said.

On Thursday, a coalition of 19 Indian organisations known as Gelombang Saksama proposed establishing a dedicated statutory body, a public-private funding vehicle, and a Cabinet committee to address the Indian community’s socio-economic challenges. Santiago spoke for the coalition.

Rafizi, who now leads Bersama, said the party would consider the proposals as it develops its policy papers, which will eventually form the basis of its manifesto.

Separately, Dewi Sri Maha Mariamman Bandar Springhill Association president Ravi Murugan cautioned politicians against creating confusion and raising expectations among Indians whenever political circumstances change.