A politician recently made the misguided statement that the Indian community should look away from traditional issues such as Tamil schools and temples (refer Sinar Daily article). Such a stance is not only dismissive of the very foundations of our community’s identity but also deeply irresponsible, especially from a state leader who ought to understand the pulse of the people he claims to serve. As MAATRAM, we strongly disagree with this rhetoric and stand firm in our belief that education and cultural preservation are non-negotiable pillars for the advancement of the Indian community in Malaysia.

Tamil schools are not just a sentimental attachment to tradition; they represent the very lifeline for generations of Indian Malaysians who have been marginalized and underserved. To suggest that we should “look away” from these issues is to overlook the real struggles our children and future generations face. These schools provide not only academic education but also a connection to culture, language, and identity, which is crucial for personal and communal development.

The issues of underfunding, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of facilities in Tamil schools are not relics of the past but are current realities in Malaysia. The idea that we should abandon this cause implies that the politician is content with leaving our children to languish in substandard conditions while other communities move forward. Education is the key to economic empowerment, and without a strong foundation, the future of our youth is at risk. To ignore this is to condemn our community to perpetual inequality.

MAATRAM believes that moving forward as a community does not require abandoning tradition; rather, it requires incorporating our rich cultural heritage into a progressive future. Our Tamil schools and even temples are not obstacles but are, in fact, the very foundation on which we can build a more prosperous and inclusive future.

This politician’s dismissal of traditional issues signals a dangerous disconnect from the community’s needs. Progress does not mean cutting ties with our past but understanding how our heritage can fuel future successes. Instead of advocating for “moving away” from these essential issues, he should be pushing for policies that strengthen our schools and temples, ensuring that they meet modern standards while maintaining their cultural significance.

A Malaysian-Indian state political leader who suggests turning away from the core concerns of the Indian community is a leader unfit to represent us. This politician’s comments are not just ignorant—they are a betrayal of the very people he claims to stand for. His remarks reflect a lack of understanding and empathy for the struggles of the Indian community in Malaysia, particularly those in the B40 category who depend on Tamil schools and temples for education, support, and cultural preservation.

We challenge him to walk through the doors of our dilapidated Tamil Schools, be it the abandoned Sungai Bakap, or the Shipping Container SJKT Ladang Jeram and numerous ladang and estate schools to witness firsthand the conditions our children endure, and to explain why he thinks these issues no longer matter. The Indian community deserves leaders who fight for our future, not ones who turn a blind eye to our past and present just to ‘kowtow’ to his political masters.

It’s time for him to reconsider his priorities—or step aside for those who understand the importance of protecting our heritage while driving us toward a brighter tomorrow.

Suthan Mookaiah
Secretary General,
Majlis Lembaga Pengelola Sekolah-Sekolah Tamil Malaysia (MAATRAM)