QUESTIONS have been raised to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Public Service Commission (PSC) regarding the participation of Indian community in the civil service by a former federal lawmaker.
The reason being the figures given by the government does not add up.
Referring to a New Straits Times report dated October 14, 2026 that places Indian representation in civil at 3.63%, Charles Santiago pointed out that the figure means 47,349 out of 1,302,713 public servants are Indians.
A total of 6.5% of the Malaysian population are Indians.
If the figures given in parliament was right, the government would be employing 85,000 Indian officers. It is not the case as there is a shortage of 37,000 Indians, he stressed on X.
As for applications into public service, the former National Water Commission head also raised some issues.
Three weeks before Deepavali, Parliament was told that 47,349 of the 1,302,713 people in Malaysia’s public service are Indians. That is 3.63%. Indians make up about 6.5% of the population.
(1/11) https://t.co/gGFRSGqiqK
— Charles Santiago (@mpklang) November 6, 2026
Malaysian Indians submitted 194,807 applications to the Public Services Commission (SPA). Only 5,289 were hired, which is 2.71%. The public should know who, on what criteria, and whether every community is shortlisted at the same rate.
He demanded the data to be published by SPA and explain why the number are so appaling instead of claiming merit since hiring process appear opaque.
The Madani was told to be responsible in closing the gaps by funding targeted upskilling programs and courses so that the Malaysian Indian community can increase their civil service participation.
The measure would also be more effective compared to the one – off SARA payments.
To resolve the matter at hand, the activist stressed a need for the government to set a target deadline for Indian representation in the public service. It will require government to publish shortlisting, interview and appointment rates by community every year.
The Gelombang Saksama coordinator also urged Madani government to fund upskilling pathways into public service for B60 Indian workers, and present a plan for the ministries where Indian officers are almost absent.
He further highlighted that a government job with steady salary meant that the next generation would perform better.
“It is one of the few ladders of upward mobility the Government can directly provide, and that opportunity should begin this Deepavali.”
Gelombang Saksama is made up of 84 Indian NGOs. ‒ Nov 6, 2026
Main image credit: The Malaysian Insight
