One major breakthrough in the 9th Malaysia Plan is the provision of skills training opportunities to Indian youths. This matter was highlighted in the Eighth Malaysia Plan and by the Mid Term Review document it was clearly stated that Giat MARA will open up to incorporate Indian youths who are underachievers, drop outs and those who did not have the grades to qualify into residential skill training institutions either run by the Human Resource Ministry or the Youth and Sports Ministry.
The provisions in the Ninth Plan is indicative of Government's full cognisance of the problems faced by Indian youths especially those from low income families and whose performance through the schools system is weak.
The Government delivery system has in the past few years started making places available in existing institutions. The new provision of Pusat Putra, which was proposed by YSS during the Mid Term Review of the Eighth Malaysia Plan is indeed timely. Currently there is no training institution catering for these types of boys who might have a criminal background or who is from a gang. This centre will cater for this target group. While there will be lots of opportunities for Indian youths, it will be also open to other youths with similar behavior problems.
In the coming months, YSS will approach the Economic Planning Unit over the implementation details of this new institution. I am personally confident that if an Indian youth wants to get out of crime or from a gang background, this Pusat Putra will be an excellent way of transformation.
It is imperative that we must monitor the situation and ensure the full realization of this project over the next five years. Our prayer is that many youths will grab this opportunity and make a better life for themselves.
By: Dr Denison Jayasooria (Posted at www.yss98.com)
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