Sarawak Indians come together to form united front under SIUF
KUCHING: Sarawak Indians are coming together under one umbrella to form Sarawak Indian United Front (SIUF).
Speaking at a press conference at Jalan Rumbia here yesterday, spokesperson Shankar Ram Asnani said the body was formed to pursue better prospects in economics, welfare and education for the Indian community in Sarawak.
“We need to come as one big group to secure our rights from the Sarawak state government and also the Malaysian government for the future of Sarawak Indians.
“It’s very important from the economic standpoint apart from political considerations. Of course we Sarawak Indians support the government of the day that has been very kind to us over the years that we come as one to pursue our basic rights.”
He added that that was why Indian organisations signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to bring them all together.
The MOU aims to explore how a united team could secure pressing needs – both immediate and long-term – of the Sarawak Indian community from the state and federal governments.
One of the aspects the body is looking at is to set up a joint education trust to help the people.
“What we truly need is firm help from the state government to bring us on par with other races in Sarawak,” Shankar said.
According to him, the Indians in Sarawak have a long history from the times of the White Rajahs, but over the years they have not progressed as far as the other communities.
The Indian community has made it individually in various fields such as the medical and legal sectors, but the large majority of them are left far behind other races.
“Our temples do not have the privilege of (receiving) more substantial grants compared with other houses of worship.
“We do not have any education and welfare fund for the Indians in Sarawak. Sarawak Indians are not beneficiaries of any government project,” Shankar said.
He said the Indian community in Sarawak would want to be strong, independent and respected like other races in the state.
SIUF comprises at least 17 Indian organisations in the state such as Persatuan Kuil Hindu Kuching, Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Mount Matang Kuching, Persatuan Veteran India Angkatan Tentera Malaysia and Indian Association Kuching.
SIUF is expected to be registered within the next few weeks and the members will seek an audience with Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.