PUTRAJAYA (Bernama) -- The leaders of 13 Indian- based non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have expressed happiness over the frank and open meeting they had with Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at the Prime Minister's Office here Friday.

They felt that similar discussions should be held regularly, allowing them to put forward their views on thorny issues concerning the Indian community.

"It was a very fruitful meeting. All of us were given a chance to speak and the prime minister was willing to listen to our grievances. We spoke about various issues including sensitive ones. He was very receptive and we're glad that he wanted to hear us out," Malaysian Indian Business Association president P. Sivakumar told Bernama after the two-hour meeting.

Other NGOs present at the meeting were the Malaysian Hindu Sangam, Malaysian Hindu Dharma Mamandram, Malaysian Hindu Association, Sri Murugan Centre, Malaysian Hindu Youth Council, Malaysian Tamil Youth Bell Clubs Council, Malaysian Associated Indians Chambers of Commerce and Industry, National Land Finance Cooperative Society, National Union of Plantation Workers (NUPW), Malaysian Tamil School Headmasters Association, Child Information Learning and Development Centre, and Social Strategic Foundation.

Also present were Works Minister and MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu and Suhakam Commissioner Datuk N. Siva Subramaniam.

"We all were given the opportunity to speak. The prime minister had his say and he listened to us. Everyone present pledged to work with the government to solve issues confronting the community," said Malaysian Indian Youth Council president A. Rajaratnam.

He said the NGOs also wanted unity and integration of races in the country strengthened.

Suhakam's Siva Subramaniam said the meeting was "frank and cordial" and that apart from the Hindraf issue, racial integration came under spotlight at the meeting.

"Although they (the NGOs) put forward their views, they stressed that unity should be of paramount importance. They want a united Malaysia," he said.

NUPW secretary-general Datuk G. Sankaran wanted more such meetings with the prime minister as they would be useful to iron out thorny issues that could not be discussed in the open.

"This will not only bring us closer but also let us have a better understanding of the government's constraints. We'll be able to put forth our problems and give suggestions on how we like these problems solved," he said.

Malaysian Hindu Association president Datuk R. Nadarajah said the meeting did not just touch on normal issues like Hindraf as it also went deeper into matters pertaining to race and religion.

"This is good. It's not often that you get to meet the prime minister and tell him the problems of the community. I hope such a meeting can take place once every three months or so," he said. 

Source - Bernama - December 14, 2007