Dr. M wrote about the Malay dilemma. Now, I am not in the same league as the man who practically steered Malaysia into the eyes of the world, but I still do feel for my community, and I would wanna write about it nevertheless. Yeah, I know I do not have all the facts and I don’t have all the credibility to be taken serious, but still, I would wanna voice out my opinion.
What is the Malaysian Indian dilemma? Plenty. Education, social status, economic strength, you name it. Who are we to blame? The Malays? The Chinese? The government? The alignment of Jupiter and Saturn? Ultimately, we have only one place to point the finger at. We have to point it back to ourselves. I believe that, other than life and death, everything else is within the ability of man to control. Thus, whatever is thrown at you, you must stand up for it and fight. You must be willing to break free from the norms and defy what is common.
Why do many Indians complain about the Never Ending Policy, yet they refuse to take action and stand? Spare me the bullshit of “Oh we are a repressed group.. minority… bla bla bla…”. We have the brains. And the brawn. You don’t need to resolve to massive rioting or killing to make a change. Remember that all great conquests were made by proper strategem and the skills of the mind. We sure do not lack that, do we folks?
Malaysian Indians have been stereotyped for the many years that have passed. Drunkards, wife beaters, academically challenged students, scruffy lorry drivers, high suicide rates and such. But at the same time, not many people decide to look at the other half of the statistic table. A high percentage of professionals, high rates of academic grades in universities, high standard of work ethics and a genetically predisposed knack for achieving excellence. Go brush up on your Indian history. You’ll know what I mean.
Why is it, that for so many years, we have been lying dormant, without a sound, no matter what injustice that was thrown against us? Why didn’t we stand up for what we deserve 5, 10, or 20 years back? Are you saying that discrimination back then was not so high-profile, and now it is? I say bullshit. The truth is, Malaysian Indians have slacked. We absorbed everything like punching bags. But surely, a punching bag will sway back towards the puncher, right? But like they say, it’s now or never. I’m glad voices are being raised NOW, and not 10 years later. I’m glad that we are coming out of the coccoon.
What coccoon, you might ask? Haven’t you realised, that any information that is relayed to us, is either misinformed, or truly a worthless one? Perhaps yes. But what did we do to right the wrong? Try going into an Indian barber shop. Ask your barber for his 2 cents in politics. I assure you, he will give you his 50 cents worth. But if you ask him this question: “What are you going to do about it?”. Chances are he will drift off to another topic. We want change, but we don’t want to BE the change.
Lately, I feel that the Malaysian Indians have realised about this dilemma, and are standing up for principles. But much yet leaves to be desired from that. We have to remember that being an Indian goes beyond religion. Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, anything that might be, all that matters that if you are an Indian, then you are an INDIAN. Period. There is no “shifting” to the other side just because you worship a different GOD. There is no asking for “Malay” status just because you are a Muslim. Isn’t that degrading? Selling your ancestory just for special privileges?
I had an experiece with a Muslim friend (a close friend sicne Std 1) who is studying in a certain private university in Damansara. Being a member of the Indian Students Society (or something like that), he and his fellow Indian Muslims, together with some Christians, truly felt sidelined when the president of the club (a senior student cum junior temple priest) insisted on Hindu rituals for all official society functions. Do you see the problem? It is not the Hindu society. Thus, his actions were not justified, even if I do understand the purpose for his actions. WE MUST REALISE THAT BEING INDIAN IS NOT BEING HINDU ONLY. This can only be properly expressed with the picture below (albeit a few spelling mistakes, we know what they mean).
So, we must now fight for our rights as one true entity. I am not asking for parangs to be raised and rifles to be polished. What I am asking is simple. We Indians need to embrace an open mind if we want to stand for our principles. If you are divided within, then surely your demands will receive no respect from others.
“And we tryin’ to hold it all together, but the devil is too clever, and I’m gonna die, you gonna die, we gonna die, so let’s break free from these chains and keep on flying NOW”
By the sweat of our brows, by the strength of our backs, by the courage of our hearts, we shall persevere. - Captain Hector Barbossa in POTC - At World’s End
November 21st, 2007 at 6:25 pm
i love the way you write.
November 21st, 2007 at 6:36 pm
I agree with what you have written and I myself always felt there’s still no proper unity among Indians here. They still look at each other via religion or languages, such as a Malayali, Telegu, etc. Speaking of them slacking or simply sitting and whining about what the world is doing to them, I still witness that myself too. It gets annoying sometimes but I am glad a large chunk of Indians have finally realized and are standing up for their rights, well let’s hope it is a large chunk at least.
Good write there.
November 21st, 2007 at 7:14 pm
You are right, at least we are coming out of the cocoon now rather than 10 years later. Late is always better than never. I believe the usage and affordability of new technology like the Internet has fuelled cry for injustice. While, I agree with Punk that the community is still somewhat divided, it will be matter of time before the lines disappear - hopefully.
ammu.
November 21st, 2007 at 7:23 pm
Excellent. Indian community need great people like you.
Thayalanjaya
November 21st, 2007 at 9:29 pm
one line says it all.
We want change, but we don’t want to BE the change.
glad to see my peers are with me in being the change itself, if notat least as the catalyst for the change
tho shall not fail. y didnt it happen 10years ago? awareness, internet, SMS, education, and urban area living. all this are the main cause that made things, information dissemination to be easier and reachable to everyone.
glad we are coming out of our cave. the future is brighter than we think it is. For our peers and brothers of Malays and CHinese will always support their Indian brothers. That will keep the light shining.
Indian’s dilemma in Malaysia , is being Indian itself.
BMahendran
November 21st, 2007 at 10:54 pm
as: touche, my friend! thank you…
punk: wat u said is true. What’s even worse than segregation by religion is segregation by dialect or caste… still a pagan way of belief?
tulip: we all hope for the lines to disappear… and yes, the advent of technology has helped us, but one shud not 4get the ppl who lack those new tech in rural areas..
tg: i am not great, bro… im just a regular joe with a big mouth… hahahaha….
mahen: i told u before that i’d help in this cause… hehe… all that we need to think of now is the dissemmination of our knowledge to the ppl in ruralplaces who have misinformed knowledge….
November 22nd, 2007 at 8:11 am
Kavi - Great post! If we want a real change, we should start with us.
November 22nd, 2007 at 10:28 am
Well said.
I would add that it is not just religion that has fragmented the Indian community but our divisive attitude in etchnicity as well. In this day and age, we shouldn’t care if someone is a Malayali, Gujarati, Tamil, Sidhi, Sikh or even a Sri Lankan [I don't think not actually being part of India counts anymore :-)]. We are all Indian! When a Malay or a Chinese look at us, they see an Indian - it makes no difference to them of our careful disparate ethnicity - so why should we see the differences among ourselves? We are all Indian!
I would also point out that we have our MIC leadership to thank for our current position as a marginalised community in this country. Gone are the days when we had real intelectuals and professionals as our leaders. Does anyone remember John Thivy or the glorious Seenivasagam brothers of the PPP? That was REAL leadership by men with PRINCIPLES! Instead, we are now lead by the corrupt and servile UMNO lapdog, the Semi Valued Minister, that by all rights should have been thrown out of the MIC the moment the MAIKA scandal erupted. He has thrown away our future - and how do we punish him? We ELECT him again! And all the MIC deputies in waiting are no better … Kayveas? Don’t even ask?
This is not to say that there are no Indian leaders out there of the same calibre as our leaders of old. You will find them out there, this small minority of Indian professionals - all who have washed their hands off the MIC - for why would any intelligent man or woman choose to soil their hands and descend to the level of thuggery and corruption that permeates the MIC? I wonder how long they can remain apathetic - I say it’s time to make a stand for your community - because when all is said and done, the colour of our skin and our culture is the same (I repeat, no matter how much we choose to divide it among ourselves - the man on the street sees no diffierent).
We need a new political party with leaders who truly care for their fellow Indians to stand up for us, because the MIC sure as hell ain’t going to do it. Semi Value and gang sold us out a long time ago.
Right now, I place a great deal of faith in HINDRAF (though as you rightly pointed out, I wish it had been called INDRAF). It was a bold and brilliant move filing that suit against the UK Govt. Not so much because I expect any outcome from the suit itself, but more because it embarrased the Malaysian goverment and brought international attention to the discrimination and marginalisation of Indians in this country. It was a rallying cry to all Indians in this country as well to wake up to our plight. Frankly speaking, it took guts
I hope the Indian community comes together this Sunday for the rally outside the British High Comm. If we don’t cry out now we will be forever silenced as we continue to lose out more and more. Be Brave. Take a page out of the Bersih rally. For myself, I’m abroad until the next year - I’ll be with everyone in spirit and in support. And when I get back, you can count me among your ranks - I’m so bloody tired, enough is enough, not only do I want my country back from this alien landscape the BN has turned it into, I want what is due to the Indians.
Mmmm …. and I thought this was going to be a short comment …
November 22nd, 2007 at 11:17 am
balajoe: the younger generation needs to push ahead… can’t be depending on those old farts with fake hairs anymore
anjuli: oh dearie… that’s a post in its own right! But i agree with u… and that INDRAF thingy was aledi floating around in my thoughts for some time…
November 22nd, 2007 at 4:46 pm
Ah well pretty simple, one of the steps to stand for ourselves is to not vote for those loosers with fake hair(as Kavi has pointed out the physical description :P)
Like Anjuli, I personally do not think so highly of Kayveas either…that one is one noisy fella with no substance.
Of course the worrying part is, fake hair dude usually wins in his home ground, cause the people there love him as I heard it. It’s quite a task to remove that idiot……
November 22nd, 2007 at 9:51 pm
…everyone here is missing the point…refer to the adage of the octopus….THE TENTACLES WILL AND CANNOT PERFORM TO THE MAX IF THE HEAD IS IN SHAMBLES…..should b self-explanatory. Here, we hv a head thats been in shambles for the past 24 yrs….the tentacles, well, they cry out for change BUT do not realise they need to repair the head first….and so, begs the question: DO THEY HAVE THE CONVICTION to repair, replace or remove the head? The answer is a big fat NO. So, Malaysian Indians can talk about change till the cows come home BUT if they do not have the courage and the conviction to enable it, then they’d be like the octopus whose head is always in shambles.
< < excerpt removed by kavilan for being too long >>
November 23rd, 2007 at 1:45 pm
there’s a point in article about the malaysian indian dilemma… other people (diff race - ie. malay,chinese) see us as an indian and not tamil or others…..
we don’t have a proper leader for the indian in malaysia….. most of them think for them self only… or their family….
I think the best way is to do it ur self… I mean study well in university, get a good job overseas & bring back that money to malaysia… sure you will be above the rest… but education is very important here…
About the HINDRAF gathering on this sunday.. I think it’s a good idea but be carefull when going there… there will be a lot of police personal, FRU etc. Also People will know how the indian economy standing in malaysia… how we are doing in malaysia….. indian only hold 1.2% of the economy pie… other have more…. study well… apply PTPTN loan study… sure ur life will be ok…
sure there’s a goverment policy on bumi qouta… but we must come out…
I’am glad we are coming out of our cave. the future is brighter than we think it is… it’s better now then after 100 year of independence… sure we can’t catch up if in year 2057… If now maybe can.. if we all try the best to uplift the life of indian people in malaysia…
ok, that it..
(*-*)
November 23rd, 2007 at 7:41 pm
INDIANOS,
GET ALIVE THS IS MALAYSIA…..NO POINT OF ACTING THE LYRICS OF OUR GREAT BOB MARLEY ” GET UP STAND UP, STAND UP FOR YR RIGHTS” . YOU KNOW WHAT U WILL GET AT THE END OF THE DAY …..BOOOS BOOOS, VELLU SAMY WILL STILL BE THE GREAT MIC LEADER…AND OUR STATUS WILL JUST GET FROM BAD TO WORST. PLZ GO AHEAD FOR THE RALLY IF U WANT TO, IT WOULD BE A GREAT EXPERIENCE ….WATER CANNON ON FACES AS WELL AS TEAR GAS CLOUDING YOUR EYES,
MAY BE A FEW GUN SHOTS WILL BE HEARD AND IF YOU ARE THE LUCKY ONE PERHAPS ONE SHOT WILL JUST GO THROUGH YR HEAD AND ALL THEY ARE GOING TO SAY IS YES YES YES!!!KITA SUDAH TUMBANGKAN SATU KELING YEEP…. YEEP…. HOORAYYY….YOU ARE NOT GOING TO GO DOWN THE HISTORY BOOKS YOU WILL SHED BLOOD ONLY IN VAIN….THE PEOPLE WHO ARE GOING TO CRY ARE ONLY YR PARENTS…….SO PLZ THINK TWICE DONT BE A ONE DAY HERO AND FACE THE WORST FOR THE TIME TO COME…..ITS GOOD HINDRAF HAS TAKEN UP THE CASE AGAINST THE BRITISH GOV….FEW PEOPLE ARE GOOD ENOUGH TO SEND THE DOCUMENTS, WE DONT NEED TO PARADE , RALLY AND PUT UP A SHOW…..THE BRITISH AND THE QUEEN ARE JUST GOING TO IGNORE, JUST IMAGINE IF ALL THE BRITISH COLONIES ARE GOING TO ASK BILLIONS AND TRILLIONS FROM THEM, BRITAIN WILL DECLARE BANKRUPCY IN NO TIME SOON…SO MY DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS LOOK AT THINGS THAT CAN BE DONE HELP THE LESS FORTUNATE INDIANS, GO TO THE RURAL PLACES AND SEE FOR YRSELVES WHAT CAN BE DONE TO BRING UP THE INDIAN COMMUNITY…..DO NOT WASTE YR TIME AND ENERGY CHANNEL IT THROUGH THE RIGHT WAY…GOD BLESS US ALL.
November 23rd, 2007 at 8:25 pm
I quote…
““Oh we are a repressed group.. minority… bla bla bla…”. We have the brains.”….
now… that is so damn true. i think it’s the same across all community. we have gotten more affluent, and it has become their predicament… irony huh… educate us… eradicate us…
my prayers are with the indian community this weekend…
November 23rd, 2007 at 9:03 pm
punk: nothing is a daunting task… the one that perseveres, is the one who wins in the end
yhto: i beg to differ… if the head is in need of repair, why dont those with the power step in to repair it? the way i see it, there are a thousand reasons not to do smtng, but u need only 1 reason to take action
davin: yes, education is the key… but for those who lack that luxury, educated one like us shud step in to help
steven paul: though u sound pessimistic, u r still right in a certain way. But there are always foot soldiers who fight and generals who strategize in a battle… the question is, which one are you?
zewt: erdication is not so easy, my friend. As long as one man still stands to fight, there is still hope. Let’s pray together…
November 23rd, 2007 at 9:35 pm
Well everyone else going wait and watch until nothing to go for. I don’t think this applies only for Indian only; just that Indian began to stand up for their rights. They are paying taxes aren’t they? I think Gov should impose quota on taxes too, decrease taxes for none-bumis. Why not?
I should say this is a brave move because we all have complaint about it in the shadow. Trust me, we did that almost everyday! We are afraid, afraid of unknown… The country looks peaceful outside but not in our heart.
What had cost us to have 30% bumi to improve? Work your math.
November 23rd, 2007 at 11:11 pm
To be the change is more than just asking for things to change or speaking up.. Its the fact that one has to fight his/her own weaknesses. One has to read more, become more educated, work harder and earn respect… not just ask for it. It is true that we are looked down upon for many reasons but we have the capability to do better in life. From experience, non-indians have great respect for Indians if they earn their respect. And even in two schools with a non-indian majority ive been in, an indian was chosen as head girl. Being the change is striving to be the change you want to see in the world. If you want to see a less corrupt world, you have to be free of corruption yourself! And you cannot simply ask for it and expect to receive respect. The chinese community have earned it no doubt especially since their contribution has been significant in the economic field …although it is arguable which community has had the worse deal in this country. and although so far we seem behind, we can do so much better in the future. The drinking has to stop, the fighting has to stop and we have to have more confidence in our own capabilities. I know it works! i know it does. And improving ourselves despite unfair circumstances will only make us stronger.
November 24th, 2007 at 12:30 am
i think Hindraf’s actions now have become an eye opener for everyone in the country..it also proves wrong to whom ever who thinks tat we’re the weaker community in the nation as it is strictly proven right that we indians do have the ability to SHAKE the government..as usual the authorities have classified this peaceful gathering as bringing riots and fights on sunday and irrationaly arrested two of the masterpieces of Hindraf organisation..of which without them Indians would not even have seen a tiny beam of hopes to finally prosper in this discriminating country..iT has been easy for others to say that we should actually stop blaming the goverment and stop pitying ourselves by this type of movements, instead work harder for our better future..but im sure as bright indian students itself we would have seen the so called “meritocracy” education system that have caused less fortune to us even in terms of education..we are not asking the government to give up all their privileges and etc..all that we want is for them to stop marginilising Indians this country..be fair and square..is that too hard..for the past 50 yrs.. we have been faithful to the country and worked our asses of for the country but in return we did not get any sh**s..i support all the way Hindraf’s action and hope and pray to god that this rally on sunday will not be hindered by anyone, i also hope that no one Indian blood will be smeared on this auspicious and inaugural event..i also hope that no bad parties will try to create havoc in the name of indians..god bless!!
November 24th, 2007 at 12:44 am
Gud luck to all of u on 25.11.07 and hope changes would be made to all the policy regarding Indians in malaysia. If nothing works out then the Right is with U. Vote the Opp.
November 24th, 2007 at 12:58 am
Well Steven, you have a point! However, this government needs to be taught a lesson. They trumpet to the whole world that this government is based on multi-racial coalition. But the Malaysians know that it’s only UMNO which is controlling and the components are just dogs wagging their tails and feeding on bones chucked by the “belacans”. The rally is to highlight to the world that since independence the non-Malays are living in an apartheid system. It’s not about “indianess” or money but more of citizen rights.
I doubt our situation will ever improve judging from the current line of incapable future leaders (Hishamudin Sumbing(hare lip) and schoolboy politician KJ and many more infidels) from UMNO and other parties.
Well minorities it’s time you cast your vote intellegently. Do not fear, we are educated an living in a modern world. Whether you vote for BN or not, the minorities will remain sidelined until we become like the “dinosaurs of Malaysia”, so at least for one term vote for oppositions and lets see what they got to offer. Don’t trust MIC, they have failed us. Samy Whollu is a failed leader and we should throw shit at him. The MIC building is the same building as I have seen more than 40 years ago. Why no new building? This shows they haven’t improved.
LET’S VOTE FOR OPPOSITION AND SEE WHAT THEY CAN DO! It’s not that I am a opposition supporter but the ABDULLAH BADAWA government is very racist.
“SAYA PANTANG DI TINDAS!”
November 24th, 2007 at 4:50 pm
So much for being independent… : Mei @ Gentle Ethereal Musings………..
Mei, I can understand that you have poor knowledge of Malaysian history and current economic policy. At the same time the information that you provided based on wikipedia which cant be used as a reliable source. Look at recent shame Malaysian counsels brought! I can assume that your education level below average. I don’t blame you.
You also should know that providing other work or idea without referencing system you can be entitled for legal suit under plagiarism which comes under intellectual property act.
Indians were brought to Malaysia to work at plantation and railways. At that time no other races that can cope with hard works. This continue even after merdeka where no other races could stand the exposure of humid Malaysian climate.
The main Malaysian exports are such as palm oil and rubber are Indians hard work.
You don’t understand the definition of “HARD WORK”.
You have quoted only 2 millionaire Indians fail to help others.Well in fact there are more Indian millionaires living in Malaysia and residing in overseas.A lots of support were given to other Indians in its own way and this will continue.That is totally different issue.Don’t blindly commit your self into conclusion.Indian are not benefited from current government.Indian are asking FOR their rights as a citizen.You also must aware that many Chinese are equally suffering as the Indians.Please do an unbiased survey both in rural area and not based in metropolitan city.
November 24th, 2007 at 6:30 pm
Neither a wise man nor a brave man lies down on the tracks of history to wait for the train of the future to run over him.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
November 26th, 2007 at 10:16 am
There is a book in the market entitled Malaysian Indian Dilemma. It is, however, written in Tamil.
November 27th, 2007 at 12:48 pm
indian valge
November 30th, 2007 at 4:45 pm
You are confused. There are no INDIANS in Malaysia. All Indians are in India. People of Tamil origin should be proud and call themselves ‘Tamil”..just like MIC. No non-Tamil is allowed to join MIC. Besides, “India” is a B I G word. What has a Sikh in common with a Telegu or a Tamil? The Sikh lives in Malaysia like the latter two. In other words, we are all Malaysians. Get real..no one is going to fight your fight. You have to do it yourself if you think you are an “Indian”. Be Malaysian because Tamils have nothing in common with other people from British India… food, costume, language, culture, religion,self esteem, station in life are all foreign. The Sindhi and the Sikh has more in common with a Pakistani than a Telugu or a Tamil. Even their weather is not the same. Tamils must stand for their rights as Tamils or as Malaysians. The latter is better. But remember there are no “Indians” in India other than members of the MIC who are all Tamils. Ask Samy Vellu if you like.
November 30th, 2007 at 10:49 pm
I think Abdulla is being ridiculous, only the british came and split india into south and north, yeah sure the language is different, but genetic testing of indian population have found more similarities between indians than differences. So genetically the same but linguistically different so what!. lot of indians were hindus, so there is religion binding them (if it all muslims can claim brotherhood (ummah) and stuff) why not hindus?. tamil and telegu shares same grammar rules and even some vocabulary. tamil, malayalam and kannada has same ancestry, with tamil and malayalam the last to split. lot of tamils kings have went to the north and conquered kingdoms there. some people even went there to establish religious instituition one example would be kumaragurubarar the tamil poet, who went to kedarnath and established an ashram. why even i am a person of telegu origin whose ancestors came from current day andhra and settled in tamilnadu, whose grand parents then immigrated to malaysia, i speak, read and write tamil too.
The malaysian tamils follow lot of traditions not only with Indian tamils but also with telegus, mallus, kannadas, even gujeratis, so what if pongal is said pongalla, or chakraannam? Please dont separate us, by saying stuff without proof, united we stand, divided we Fall!
November 30th, 2007 at 10:52 pm
dear malaysians,
as long as this country practices special rights for certain category of people, this problem will still take place. everybody have 2 hands and 2 legs, why cant they work and make the money? why they need support from the goverment. i dont understand. only people with terencat akal will ask favour from the goverment.
December 15th, 2007 at 11:46 pm
I disagree with your view we can win with our intellectual capabilities. The British did their homework when they chose the right mix of Indians to slave it out in the rubber estates and jungles and the ones to oversee them and the ones to ensure continual strife exists. Instead of admonishing the Tamil Hindu who lead the charge with HINDRAF, by lending support and gaining momentum, the struggle can be better fought instead of running. Remember there are traitors to the cause, opportunists, apologist, spin doctors etc …just like every other struggle for equality & freedom.
February 15th, 2008 at 1:10 am
People, get real please. the only people to blame is the indians themselves. your main mistake is the negative perceptions that Malaysian indians are marginalised. or sidelines. it is accusations by the already succesful or rich indians or professional indians coz they want to champion the top post in mic. they have no capability to overthrown samy vellu, so they opt for giving false accusation against the government and the malay people specifically. The good thing is they want bn but they fed up with sami v. but sami v. should know, that indians have plenty of professionals and they are ready to hold mic tio post. naturally anybody who join politics would like themselves to go one step further as experience and age grow too. Mr. sami , pls step down. trust all the many professionals indian who r hungry to serve the country. the second mistake is the indian culture themselves. they are so diverse and still hold to the sistem kasta. like the blogger says, indians are wiftbitter, drunk etc, these are social problem that only indian can solve.
Wake up indians.
July 12th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
I realised this interesting and important discussion stopped even before March 8th election results proofed that all of you guys were RIGHT!!!!
Kavilan started a spark that really caught fire! Now that the head has been changed (atleast in Sg Siput and Cabinet), what’s next? I am just a concerned observer… don’t stop this great cause guys.. you guys are the future of this dearest community. Lets take this fight all the way to 2057…. May I have ATHMA SHANTI Then…