Penang’s Deputy Chief Minister II post is more than symbolic for Tamil Indians

Penang’s Deputy Chief Minister II post is more than symbolic for Tamil Indians

By Satees Muniandy

[former DAP state assemblyman for Bagan Dalam]

AS a consequence of the HINDRAF Wave among Indians in the country in the post-2007 period, Indian Tamils traditional supporters of BN, embraced the opposition of Pakatan Rakyat (PR).

In the 2008 general elections, Indians together with the Chinese overwhelming backed PR so much so that five state governments fell to the opposition.

This was unprecedented and historic. For the Indians – predominantly Tamils – there was no turning back. Indians finally proved that they could ditch a political coalition like Barisan Nasional (BN) if their rights were not safeguarded.

If Indians are ignored, they can also ditch the PH-BN combine in the future. The MIC’s representation of Indians in the BN took such beating that the party never really recovered after that. It has been downhill for the party ever since. Shamelessly, the MIC leaders are supporting the unity government for positions.

Because of the HINDRAF wave and the crucial role played by Indians in the formation of five state governments, it was decided to recognise the contributions of the Tamil Indian community in the state of Penang.

A second deputy chief minister’s (DCM2) post was created for the Indian Tamil community. This was when Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy was appointed as the DCM2 for three terms (2008 to 2023).

Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy (right) and Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow

“Reserved’ for Tamil Indians

The DCM2 post in 2008 was specifically created for the Tamil Indians. It is an unwritten rule the DCM2 post would be reserved for Indians of Tamil origin.

PH-BN recently won the Penang state election by clinching 29 out of total 40 seats. As expected, the DCM1 went to PKR while the DCM2 post went to DAP state assemblyman of Datuk Keramat Jagdeep Singh Deo (main pic) even though there were three Indian Tamil-elected assemblymen – two from DAP and one from PKR.

I have nothing against Jagdeep or the Sikh community. But the unwritten rule that DCM2 would be reserved for Indian Tamil was not honoured. It was sad reflection of the on-going attempts in the DAP to sideline Indian Tamils who are vociferous about their rights.

An Indian Tamil was appointed as the state executive councillor (EXCO) of housing and environment. In fact, he should have been appointed as the DCM2 but he didn’t even ask for the post even though he knew about the history of the DCM2.

Satees Muniandy

I suppose being overwhelmed by the EXCO position, he lacked the courage to fight for the rights of Indian Tamil community.

It is being argued that the post of DCM2 is not important in terms of doing things for Indians. Even EXCO members can perform the same task. However, those who are saying that DCM2 position is not essential to the well-being of Indians forget the fact of the symbolic importance of the post for the Indian community who a marginalised segment.

I agree that the post might not be important for those who have parachuted into Penang politics. It might not be important for those who seek a career in politics. But it is important for thousands and millions of Indian Tamils who slogged to build this country to what it is today.


Beyond being symbolic

The cruellest thing is that Indian Tamils have not been recognised and rewarded for their sacrifices in tears, sweat and blood. I can understand why this post is not important for the appeasers in the DAP but its significance cannot be brushed aside in the context of subordination of Tamil Indian interests.

The DCM2 post might be symbolic but at the same time it is not. By virtue of this post, the person gets a chance to sit and deliberate in some of the important state committees on land, state planning and others. Not all EXCO members are invited to join those committees let alone state-owned GLCs (government-linked companies).

For a Tamil Indian to hold the DCM2 post means he/she has the opportunity to deliberate in the discussions and to determine how the Indian community could be assisted in employment, land for Tamil schools, land for Hindu temples and others.

Beyond symbolism, the post provides the stature and ability for the Indian representative to champion the political, social, cultural and economic cause of his depressed and marginalised community – the Tamil Indians.

Those who think that the DCM2 post is not important tend to argue why only Indians are able to take care of Indian problems when leaders of other races can do likewise for them.

If others can take care of Indians, then there is no longer a need for Indian representatives. This kind of thinking especially among Indian representatives is dangerous for it well lead to a political situation whereby Indian representatives might not be considered as important for the progress of the community.

If this is kind of thinking does prevail in the PH-BN government, then it is not only fallacious but another nefarious move to further sideline the community. – Aug 19, 2023