HINDRAF wants Indians to be state govt deputies

Kuala Lumpur, Mar 11: The acting chairman of HINDRAF, R.S. Thanenthiran, has demanded that an Indian be made the Deputy Chief Minister of Penang while in Perak and Selangor, they should be appointed Deputy Mentri Besar (Deputy Chief Executive).

"DAP, PKR and PAS can make the necessary amendments to the state Constitution," he said, adding "If they are unable to provide this post, they should then allocate two or more state exco seats for Indians." The Star quoted him as further saying that ideally, DAP's A. Sivanesan and M. Manoharan should be made Deputy Mentri Besar in Perak and Selangor respectively while DAP's Dr P. Ramasamy should be made Deputy Chief Minister in Penang. Indian Association Penang president K. Vijayakumar said Indians should be allowed to play a key role in the state administration and government agencies. Seberang Prai Indians Social Welfare Association secretary T. Vijiakumaran said the Chinese, Malays and Indians, should be given equal opportunities, especially in securing government contracts, business licences, and seats in higher education institutions.

ANI