Indian Malaysian speakers were conspicuous by their absence on RTM 1's Debat Perdana, which yesterday heatedly discussed the subject of vernacular schools.

In a letter to the Information Ministry today, pro-tem political party Parti Reformasi Insan Malaysia (Prim) complained about the consistent failure to invite Indian Malaysians as speakers, especially those who have dissenting opinions.

"The Information Ministry is giving the impression that (it is) fair in at least allowing this debate but, as usual, where is the Indian Malaysian dissenting voice?" asked pro-tem deputy secretary-general RN Rajah.

A copy of the letter, addressed to Information Minister Abdul Kadir Sheikh, was made available to malaysiakini .

Rajah claimed the absence of their representatives has led to many Indian Malaysians choosing not to watch the programme, aired every Sunday.

"The only time Indian Malaysians were speakers was when Dr Denison Jayasooria ( right )- a pro-BN speaker - who would be slow to (offer dissenting Indian Malaysian views on) issues and Dr Chandra Muzaffar ( left ) - who has no record of speaking up (on these issues) - were on the show," he said.

Yesterday's panel comprised parliamentarians Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (BN-Santubong), Raja Ahmad Zainuddin Raja Omar (BN-Larut), Teresa Kok (DAP- Seputeh) and Federation of Peninsular Malay Students president Suhaimi Ibrahim.

Poverty and neglect

Rajah also commented on Kok's statement during the debate that vernacular schools, unlike national schools, have to rely on public financial aid.

"This may be correct for Chinese schools but not for Tamil schools where there is no business community to support it. There was no one there (yesterday) to speak up for Tamil schools," he said.

"For example, the real issue is that about 90 percent of Tamil school pupils are from the lower income group. It is either Tamil school or no school for most of them."

According to Rajah, 376 of the 524 Tamil schools nationwide are not fully aided by the government.

"In conclusion, the real issues are not about Tamil schools per se but one of poverty, lack of opportunities and about five decades of direct discrimination of this community by the government of the day," he said.

He suggested the inclusion of "outstanding Indian Malaysian personalities" in the programme, such as lecturer Professor P Ramasamy, DAP parliamentarian M Kulasegaran, human rights lawyer and activist P Uthayakumar, Suaram co-ordinator S Arutchelvan, lawyers Charles Santiago and SP Pathi.

Contacted later, Rajah said these individuals have been championing Indian Malaysian rights and should be invited to put forward a different perspective.