No plot to oust me, says YSS chief
Claudia TheophilusPublished: Oct 28, 2004 12:00 PM | Updated: Jan 29, 2008 6:21 PM
Executive director of MIC's social arm Yayasan Strategik Sosial(YSS) Dr Denison Jayasooria denied there was any political plot to oust him from the foundation he helped establish eight years ago.
Executive director of MIC's social arm Yayasan Strategik Sosial(YSS) Dr Denison Jayasooria denied there was any political plot to oust him from the foundation he helped establish eight years ago.
Confirming that he tendered his resignation early this month, Denison, who has since returned to the foundation, said yesterday his resignation was a voluntarily decision based on "personal reasons"'
Over the weeks, there was talk that Denison had quit after a misunderstanding with MIC president S Samy Vellu over the running of the foundation.
Some party insiders claimed that Samy Vellu was "not too happy" with Denison's management style and had confronted him over it.
"Not true. There was no attempt from within or outside the foundation or the MIC to remove me. The decision was mine...a voluntary one made for personal reasons," he said when contacted.
However, Samy Vellu could not be reached for comments.
After 20 days, Denison's returned as YSS executive director following appeals from the MIC president.
YSS primarily handles problems faced by the Malaysian Indian grassroots. These include social ills, plights of Tamil schools, poverty, education and other long-standing issues.
Major changes
"I submitted my resignation after stating my intention to quit earlier but it was rejected.
"I decided to return after thinking it through carefully and having invested eight long years, I thought it would be best to continue albeit with some major administrative and operational changes," said Denison.
The YSS executive director, who turned 50 last month, said he plans to move the foundation into phase two now.
"This is where I need to consider decentralisation, although we're already doing that to a certain extent. Future changes means a consolidation of resources, both human and financial," he explained.
Recalling YSS' humble beginnings back in 1995 at the MIC building in Kuala Lumpur with one staff, a single personal computer and two tables, he said the foundation has since improved by leaps and bounds.
"This year, we managed to obtain tax exemption and we are trying to raise funds to cover the operational costs," he added.
Crucial input
The bulk of YSS' funding is from MIC and through government-proposed projects such as the RM5.4 million grant to conduct activities that specifically address social ills over a period of two years.
"We're among the few local non-governmental organisations who receive grants from the government. We also managed to secure RM18 million in loans through Bank Simpanan Nasional meant for small businessmen," said Denison.
Although there has been criticism that YSS was too close to the government or political party, Denison, who also sits on the Special Commission to Enhance the Operations and Management of The Royal Police Force, said it has nonetheless left its mark by highlighting social problems.
"By working within the system, we managed to provide crucial input for the government to act on, especially at the economic and social policy-making levels," he added.
Plans underway after Denison's return include training for YSS staff in the area of project management, fund-raising and implementation of social programmes.
Confirming that he tendered his resignation early this month, Denison, who has since returned to the foundation, said yesterday his resignation was a voluntarily decision based on "personal reasons"'
Over the weeks, there was talk that Denison had quit after a misunderstanding with MIC president S Samy Vellu over the running of the foundation.
Some party insiders claimed that Samy Vellu was "not too happy" with Denison's management style and had confronted him over it.
"Not true. There was no attempt from within or outside the foundation or the MIC to remove me. The decision was mine...a voluntary one made for personal reasons," he said when contacted.
However, Samy Vellu could not be reached for comments.
After 20 days, Denison's returned as YSS executive director following appeals from the MIC president.
YSS primarily handles problems faced by the Malaysian Indian grassroots. These include social ills, plights of Tamil schools, poverty, education and other long-standing issues.
Major changes
"I submitted my resignation after stating my intention to quit earlier but it was rejected.
"I decided to return after thinking it through carefully and having invested eight long years, I thought it would be best to continue albeit with some major administrative and operational changes," said Denison.
The YSS executive director, who turned 50 last month, said he plans to move the foundation into phase two now.
"This is where I need to consider decentralisation, although we're already doing that to a certain extent. Future changes means a consolidation of resources, both human and financial," he explained.
Recalling YSS' humble beginnings back in 1995 at the MIC building in Kuala Lumpur with one staff, a single personal computer and two tables, he said the foundation has since improved by leaps and bounds.
"This year, we managed to obtain tax exemption and we are trying to raise funds to cover the operational costs," he added.
Crucial input
The bulk of YSS' funding is from MIC and through government-proposed projects such as the RM5.4 million grant to conduct activities that specifically address social ills over a period of two years.
"We're among the few local non-governmental organisations who receive grants from the government. We also managed to secure RM18 million in loans through Bank Simpanan Nasional meant for small businessmen," said Denison.
Although there has been criticism that YSS was too close to the government or political party, Denison, who also sits on the Special Commission to Enhance the Operations and Management of The Royal Police Force, said it has nonetheless left its mark by highlighting social problems.
"By working within the system, we managed to provide crucial input for the government to act on, especially at the economic and social policy-making levels," he added.
Plans underway after Denison's return include training for YSS staff in the area of project management, fund-raising and implementation of social programmes.
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