MDA1M can open opportunities for Indians, says Palanivel

SHAH ALAM: MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel is confident that the Changing Destiny of 1Malaysia Indian Children (MDA1M) programme, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, can open up opportunities for Indian students to further their education to higher levels.

Through the programme, which was launched in February, he said students who achieved moderate results in school could compete with high achievers.

“Indian students who obtained results of 7As or 8As in the SPM would secure places in institutions of higher learning but some who only managed to obtain three credits in the examination were not eligible to further their studies and were caught in various social problems.

“With the MDA1M programme, those who obtained at least three credits in Mathematics, Science and Bahasa Malaysia will be given the opportunity,” he said yesterday after the presentation of certificates of appreciation and cash contributions to 200 outstanding students in the PMR, SPM and STPM organised by Namakkal Society.

Palanivel said the programme was an education reform of the Indian community to raise their socio-economic level.

On Feb 25, Najib announced the first group of 1,600 Indian youths furthering their studies at pre-diploma level in 62 technical and vocational courses at polytechnics nationwide apart from each of them being provided with RM250 monthly allowance.

The programme also took on the same approach as the Changing Destiny programme undertaken by Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) involving Malay and orang asli youths.

Najib and Palanivel to discuss deaths in police custody

MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel.

 

KUALA LUMPUR: The recent death in police custody and strengthening of the Indian community will be among the issues that MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel will discuss when he meets with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak next week.

"We will look into the matter. I will meet him either on Monday or Tuesday," he said at a press conference Friday after the party's Central Working Committee meeting.

Palanivel said he would also discuss the Indian economic agenda as well as accusations by Hindraf chairman P.Waythamoorthy towards the party.

"We want to bring back the Indian votes as well as have discussions with PPP and IPF on strengthening the party.

Commenting further on the death in police custody, he said the party had issued a statement on the matter and would let the authorities carry out their investigations first.

"I will also raise it in the Cabinet next week," he said.

On party elections, Palanivel said elections at branch level would take place in December or January followed by division level.

"We will also set up a committee for presidential elections in November or December.

"The elections for the president's post will start early next year followed by the elections for the deputy president, vice presidents and Central Working Committee members," he added.

(Source: The Star Online)

Govt will help Indian community: Palanivel

MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel is confident the government will continue with its programmes to improve the socio-economy of the Indian community.

He said the government has helped to change the lives of thousands of Indians and brought them into the mainstream of the country through several business and loan assistance.

"We hope that PM (Datuk Seri) Najib (Abdul Razak) will continue to reform and bring equal opportunities in employment and entry into universities and teachers training colleges, not only for Indians but for all communities," he said.

Palanivel noted that there should be greater economic and social development for every citizen.

Since 2009, Najib has allocated RM540 million to fund development of Tamil schools; RM150 million for microcredit schemes; RM50 million for Tekun loans; and has set aside 1,500 matriculation seats for Indian students who excel in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia.

MIC PROMISES BIG WIN: Only PM & BN "capable" of shaping Indians' future - Palanivel

KUALA LUMPUR - The MIC has promised a big victory for the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN), based on tremendous support from the Indian community after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak took over the reins in 2009.

Party president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel said the support was stronger for the ruling coalition after receiving great benefits, particularly in education, public service development programme, economy and social programmes initated by Najib.

"Up till 2004, our vote was a fixed deposit. But we lost our fixed deposit in 2008. We now assure that the fixed deposit is backing the prime minister.

"Today, the community realises that only the BN government and the prime minister are capable of shaping their future.

"The Indian votes are important to BN, and saying this, the MIC can bring back at least 600,000 votes to the BN," he said during his speech at the MIC's 66th Annual General Assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre here Sunday.

The assembly was opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Also present were former MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, Senate president Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang and BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.

Palanivel, who is also minister in the Prime Minister's Department, said the Indian community had always placed Najib as a special leader who could uplift their social and economic status.

Palanivel: PM to look into MIC’s requests

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will study the various requests made by MIC during its just-concluded general assembly.

“We didn't ask for a lot. We made specific financial requests. I raised them in the recent Cabinet meeting and he agreed. The bulk will be included in the 2014 Budget.

“The Government has given a total RM1.8bil to the Indian community since he took over as Prime Minister,” said party president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel.

 Palanivel had in his presidential address asked the Government to set up a 1Malaysia incubator fund for the Indian community in order to attract young minds; RM10mil for Yayasan Strategik Sosial to train young entrepreneurs; RM10mil to expand MIC's pilot after-school remedial programme, as well as a RM30mil grant to MIED and a matching grant to AIMST University, among others.

Palanivel, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, said “momentum” towards MIC had picked up and Najib's support had boosted members' morale.

On the alleged 300,000 stateless Indians in the country, he said Pakatan Rakyat should back its claim with proof and details.

“We need facts. Show us the proof. Don't pluck numbers from thin air,” said Palanivel, who earlier handed out RM1.14mil in funds to 37 churches and Christian NGOs nationwide.

He said the amount had increased from over RM400,000 given previously to church groups.

“The Government has come forward to support temples, churches, gurdwaras, NGOs and welfare associations to ensure no community is left out,” he added.

(Source: The Star Website - 14 December 2012)