Media statement by M. Manogaran in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, 26^th May 2012:

1559 places for matriculation promised to Indian students, yet only 700 has been given

In yet another twist to the controversial issue of Matriculation, Indian Students who were promised an additional 1000 places by the Prime Minister in February this year on top of the 550 places already given earlier, were again denied their legitimate rights to do Matriculation in the various public universities (IPTA).

What is more shocking is, this was the Cabinet's decision but again the civil service has shown that they are calling the shots. Some lame ministers from the MIC are again playing tango with the Prime Minister.

It is obvious that the Prime Minister has lost control of the civil service. While the Prime Minister can make all sorts of promise, the implementation is doubtful as it can be seen in the Matriculation issue where 1559 Indian students should be given but what they received was only 700 places. Where else the students who were unsuccessful have to go through the appeal process.

I urge the Prime minister to stop misleading the Indian Community by giving empty promises for the sake of gaining their votes. The Prime Minister must be sincere in helping the Indian Community and should not pretend that he is when he is not in reality.

If the Indian Community does not get the 1559 in full as promised, what will the MIC do about it? We must also remember there are many got 10A's or more but did not get their places.

* M. Manogaran, MP for Teluk Intan