Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-

(a) Whether Government is as vigilant about protecting the interests of the Tamils in Malaysia as it is about protecting the interests of the Tamils in Sri Lanka;

(b) If so, the details of the efforts made in this direction; and

(c) If not, the reasons therefore?

 ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SMT. PRENEET KAUR)

(a) Yes, with due respect for the sovereignty of the States concerned.

(b) There is a large community of persons of Indian origin, predominantly Tamils in Malaysia. Their population is about 1.9 million, which accounts for about 8% of Malaysia’s population. Tamils who migrated from India, make up over 70% of the Indian community. Most of them are now citizens of Malaysia, well integrated into their system. They are active in various walks of the Malaysian society and their rights as citizens of Malaysia are derived from the Malaysian constitution. Whenever there was some concern on the interest of Tamils living there, Government of India has suitably expressed its concern to protect their interests.

(c) Not Applicable.