Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysian Indian Congress, a component of the ruling coalition, has demanded the government to allocate an annual fund for economic, educational, social, housing and health-related activities as well as skill training for Indian youths here.

"The Prime Minister agreed to act and we believe he will have the answer soon," MIC chief S Samy Vellu was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency yesterday. He said that an application was made to the Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi three months ago and that he was deeply concerned with issues facing the Indian community, especially in getting employment in the public sector.

Refuting the claims by certain quarters that the Indian community had remained backward despite 50 years of independence, he said that several Indian graduates, teachers and businessmen are proof that the community has progressed. "We will try to help the youths so that they will have a brighter future," he added.

Source : PTI