MIC to hold workshop with NGOs on community issues

Sunday April 6, 2008

KUALA LUMPUR: The MIC, which received a severe beating in the general election, is organising a workshop in two months time for some 1,200 Indian-based non-governmental organisations and associations to discuss issues affecting the community.

MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said a report on the workshop would be submitted to the Government through Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam.

“We will request for the necessary assistance from the Government as well as the relevant ministries after submitting the report,” he said after meeting 40 representatives from Kuala Lumpur-based NGOs yesterday.

Samy Vellu said the MIC was listening to their views as they had been working with the people on the ground.

“We have asked them (the representatives) to give us reports on the problems faced by the Indian community in their areas,” he said.

He said that he had already discussed with NGOs in Penang in January while another meeting has been scheduled in Johor Baru soon.

“I have also sought their assistance to disseminate information on the availability of skills training courses for Indian youths in the government training institutes,” he said.

On the cooperation between the MIC and Indian Progressive Front, he said the two parties had cooperated well during the general election.

“We have given them two options either to work closely with MIC or dissolve and merge with MIC. It is their decision,” he said.