Appoint Indians as deputies in state govts, says Hindraf

Nation
Tuesday March 11, 2008

BUTTERWORTH: An Indian should be made a Deputy Chief Minister in Penang while in Perak and Selangor, they should be appointed Deputy Mentri Besar, Hindraf acting chairman R.S. Thanenthiran said.

“DAP, PKR and PAS can make the necessary amendments to the state constitution to create a Deputy Chief Minister or Deputy Mentri Besar post just as the Barisan Nasional government had done in the past.

“If they are unable to provide this post, they should then allocate two or more state exco seats for Indians,” he said.

Thanenthiran noted that the three political parties had used Hindraf’s Makkal Sakhti (People’s Power) slogan to garner support from the voters.

Ideally, he said, DAP’s A. Sivanesan and M. Manoharan should be made Deputy Mentri Besar in Perak and Selangor respectively while DAP’s Dr P. Ramasamy should be made Deputy Chief Minister in Penang.

Indian Association Penang president K. Vijayakumar said Indians should be allowed to play a key role in the state administration and government agencies.

“There are many competent and qualified Indian professionals in Penang, Selangor and Perak,” he said.

Seberang Prai Indians Social Welfare Association secretary T. Vijiakumaran said the Chinese, Malays and Indians, should be given equal opportunities, especially in securing government contracts, business licences, and seats in higher education institutions.

Vijiakumaran said there should be more Indian municipal councillors as well as top-ranking officers in government departments and agencies.