‘Duty of MPs to protect minorities’

PETALING JAYA: An interfaith organisation has dismissed Hindraf Chief P Waythamoorthy’s recent call to set up a minorities ministry, terming the move as “redundant”.

Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) Honorary Secretary-General Prematilaka KD Serisena said the rights of the minorities ought to be safeguarded by MPs, as stated in the Federal Constitution.

Waythamoorthy, who said such a ministry was “necessary”, claimed minorities were being marginalised and discriminated against as they did not have representatives in Parliament or the state assemblies to defend their interests.

Permatilaka, however, said it was incumbent on all MPs, regardless of race or creed, to take care of the rights of all Malaysians.

“All MPs from all constituencies should be looking after the interests of all citizens, regardless of whether or not they are minorities as it is their sworn duty to do so.”

He pointed out that creating a minorities ministry would only serve to introduce “all kinds of new headaches” instead of addressing the issue.

“Who is going to head this ministry? What will be his ethnicity? Will he protect the others?
“Indonesia has a similar ministry but then they still have a lot of issues that they aren’t able to handle.”

Reactions to the former deputy minister’s proposal were mixed, with MCA Central Committee Member Ti Lian Ker calling it “timely”, while MIC Wanita chief Mohana Muniandy said it should be studied.

Amanah Vice-President Mujahid Rawa, on the other hand, deemed it “unnecessary”.

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