Indian Malaysian representatives in Penang have expressed dismay over their meeting with ChiefMminister Dr Koh Tsu Koon over the issues affecting the community.

Many of them do not believe Koh’s assurance that his Gerakan-led state government will exhaust all means to resolve issues and problems that the community faces.

The meeting between the state government and 40 Indian-based NGOs and temple committees took place last week.

Deputy chief minister Abdul Rashid Abdullah, state executive councillors Dr Teng Hock Nan, Dr Toh Kin Woon and PK Subbaiyah, state MIC head Dr K Rajapathy and state PPP leader Loga Balamohan were part of the government delegation.

According to Subbaiyah, the meeting was called on by Koh to get first-hand information from NGOs on the Indian community's grievances.

"The state government wants to work out a policy to help out Penang Indians," said Subbaiyah.

Those who attended the meeting, however, do not believe in the promises made.

'Publicity stunt'

Speaking on condition of anonymity, many leaders questioned the sincerity and honesty of the state government in safeguarding and enhancing the community's interests, benefits and rights in Penang.

In 50 years of independence, this is the first time a chief minister has held a dialogue session with Indian NGOs and temple committees.

However only NGOs, temple committees and local community leaders who are presumed as Barisan Nasional (BN) supporters were invited to the meeting.

One delegate even questioned if the meeting was a publicity stunt to canvass Indian votes with the election just around the corner.

During the closed-door meeting, Koh, who is also the Gerakan president, gave an assurance to approximately 120 delegates that his government would do everything in its power to upgrade the standard of living of Penang Indians.

Government statistics reveal that Indians make up merely 150,000 of the state's population of close to two million. However, many local leaders and politicians frequent question the validity of this figure, because they believe the number is higher.

"The BN government tends to downsize the Indian population merely to hoodwink us on the quota system," alleged a temple leader, who attended the meeting.

In 1998, the state sponsored a study by the Social Economic Research Institute (Seri) on the well-being of Penang Indians. The report said many were living in hardship, with 70 percent from the lower-income bracket.

Seri's comprehensive report also revealed that the majority of Indians cannot afford to buy houses, are heavily in debt, and suffer from distress and alcoholism. Compared with other ethnic groups, Indians form the highest percentage of school dropouts, suicide cases and criminals.

No new policy

For the last 10 years, Indian Malaysian leaders have frequently called on the state government to implement a comprehensive blueprint to upgrade the community. This has yet to happen.

"If Koh and his government are serious, he would have unveiled a blueprint by now on current and future plans to improve the standard of living of the Indian community," said a delegate.

Although delegates raised various questions touching on housing, temples, Tamil schools and economic opportunities, Koh could not produce any concrete plans to allay fears of continued hardship for those in the community.

"I can ensure you that the state government will (do everything in) its power to address all issues pertaining to Indian affairs," was what Koh told them.

The assurance was not enough to convince the delegates, who pointed out that the mood within the community has changed.

"They are angry because Hindraf has made them realise that they have been taken for a ride by BN all these years," said a leading MIC politician, referring to the Hindu Rights Action Force which mobilised some 30,000 Indians for a street protest in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 25 last year.