HRAP - The 5 KRA

As the representative body of Hindus in Malaysia, Malaysia Hindu Sangam ("MHS") has been at the forefront when it comes to matters affecting the community since it's inception in 1965. Undertaking the coordination of Hindu religious activities and education, it has also represented the community not only locally but internationally as well, being a member of the World Hindu Federation.

In the course of its' representation of Hindus, MHS has developed a deeper understanding of the issues faced by the community in Malaysia, which can be identified as being social, economic and spiritual in nature. Assisting those displaced in varying circumstances by these factors, initiatives by MHS have often been limited to its methodology of continuous engagement.

Representing its constituents and assisting others through such liaison through this approach has proven to be beneficial in many ways; MHS currently provides supporting documentation to the Malaysian Immigration Department for temples needing foreign temple professionals, and is often involved in dialogues with most relevant authorities regarding temple issues. MHS is also called upon by temples to settle minor disputes between them, being the umbrella body of Hindus in Malaysia. The Hindu community also refers to MHS when they need assistance with conversion matters, and MHS has assisted many with birth certificates and name changes (for astrological and other reasons) at the National Registration Department. It would be safe to say that efforts made in the area of religious activities and education have also helped some to stay the course in the face of numerous challenges faced by the Hindu community.

However, recent increase in such challenges have brought more of the community to the doorstep of MHS, and though capable of rising up to the occasion (due to the extensive networks built with relevant entities all around and members [including temples] throughout the country), MHS also finds a need to continually strengthen itself due to lack of funding. The government to date does not allocate any provisions for non-Muslim organizations; as such, Hindu-based organizations (MHS included) need to constantly spend time and energy to look for funding on their own. Because of the economic standing of most members, MHS has kept membership costs low, and is reliant mostly on the kind donations of corporate and individual sponsors.

Taking all these into account, MHS has come up with a 5 year plan that will put in place frameworks and implement programmes to address key issues facing Hindus and the practice of Hinduism in Malaysia. This approach will further strengthen the current approach of continuous engagement, where efforts taken by MHS and its partners reach all Hindus in a cohesive and structured manner.

To develop and implement a religious knowledge programme that ensures by the end of 2015, at least 60 % of the approximately 1.7 million Hindus - through the involvement of temples and Hindu organizations - acquire the basic fundamentals of Hinduism with special emphasis on self-esteem/self confidence, and know where to seek further knowledge on their areas of interest

1. Development of basic Hinduism curriculum packages for:
   • Level 1: Pre-school and kindergarten level
   • Level 2: Primary level and children (Std 1 - Std 6)
   • Level 3: Secondary level and teens (Form 1 - Form 5)
   • Level 4: National Service Centers (all 80 centers)
   • Level 5: Adult level (anyone above 18)
     • Beginners
     • Intermediate
     • Advanced
   • Special Program -
     • Prisons (26 centers)
     • Drug Rehabilitation Centers
   • Special Program - Parents
2. Identification of methods of dissemination of basic curriculum packages
   • Identification of trainers and centers for dissemination (inclusive of temples and other NGOs)
   • Conducting of ToT programs for persons from temples, groups and NGOs to deliver the packages (via both conventional & e-learning methods) to all levels.
   • Accreditation of trainers / teachers to impart the curriculum as mentioned above
   • Assessment & Evaluation of programs and trainers
   • Dissemination via use of alternative media (newspapers, websites, e-groups, etc.)
3. Registration of all Hindus (voluntarily) with 10 core fundamentals embodied in the Registration Document (Hindu ID).
   • Identification of the 10 core fundamentals of Hinduism
   • Mechanism of implementation: Secure endorsement of major Hindu religious groups
4. Development of comprehensive national database for interested parties to link with other NGOs/religious organizations for further knowledge nationally.

To review and develop religious materials and syllabus for subgroups, as well as develop guidelines for festivals and celebrations so that there is an uniform approach to religious propagation

1. Formulation of materials and syllabus, as well as methods of conducting worship - for Guru Pooja, Home Pooja, Nannery, Hindu Family Rites (Nithar Kadan), etc.
2. Development of guidelines on conducting Thirupugal, Ramayana, Abhirami Anthari, Naalvar Vizha, Thivya Pirabhantham, Hindu Thirunaal, Thirukkural, and Thirumurai.

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To formulate and implement a master plan by the end of 2015, for the regulated establishment and legal functioning of temples, to address all manpower issues connected with temples, and rollout the Vithyalayaa pre-school model, so that they may function as model community temples

1. Development of comprehensive national database on temples
2. Formulation of national policy on the establishment and legal functioning of temples, to be used as a basis for the promotion of temples' agenda at the national level, as well as resolution of any issues related to the same.
3. Formulation of national policy to comprehensively address all manpower development to meet the needs of Malaysian Hindu temples
4. Manual on transforming temples into community temples
5. Rollout of Hindu Vithyalayaa Community Pre-school (HVCP) model in 250 temples throughout the country
6. Annual temples' conference to address current issues

To facilitate temples to effectively conduct the following Hindu Festivals annually: Thirumurai, Nanneri, Thiruppugal, Ramayana etc

1. Develop a national Hindu Festival Calendar
2. Establish guide lines for temples to follow when celebrating the festivals
3. Establish national/state level committees to liaise with temples on organizing the festivals
4. Provide training to temple officials on all matters related to the Hindu Festivals
5. Equip temples with materials and literature on conducting festivals

To facilitate the mobilization of Hindu Organizations to support community oriented activities undertaken by temples

1. Development of comprehensive national database on Hindu Organizations
2. Identify the strength and resources of the respective Hindu Organisations
3. Develop linkages with the above Hindu Organisations and act as their secretariat in providing community support to the temples
4. Publicize the availabilities of such services provided by temples and Hindu organisation

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To formulate and implement a master plan by the end of 2015, for the regulated establishment and legal functioning of temples, to address all manpower issues connected with temples, and rollout the Vithyalayaa pre-school model, so that they may function as model community temples

1. Develop a social intervention model for high-risk areas based on strengthening and completing the 7 pilot projects in Selangor
   • Educate and address the needs of schoolchildren/youth in high-risk communities targeting family support and wellness - working with weaker students, focusing on school syllabus (except for school holidays)
   • Building good values and self-esteem through courses and discussion groups (holiday programmes)
   • Placement of school leavers in relevant courses and apprenticeships/skill work.
2. Roll-out the model in all identified high-risk communities throughout the country
   • Strengthen and consolidate endeavours in existing 7 areas in Selangor (by identifying and addressing weaknesses) before roll-out
   • Comprehensive document to serve as a roll-out model blue print.

To cover at least 50% of identified high risk communities by implementing welfare programmes to establish and develop a centre of guidance that provides access to welfare & social support services, for Hindus through temples and Hindu Organisations, by the end of 2015

1. Initiating a welfare & social support framework at MHS
   • Set-up a social & welfare service desk at MHS HQ;
   • Creating of national data base of welfare & social support providers;
   • Creating awareness on the services among Hindus
   • Identifying funding requirements & sources available
2. Roll-out of service desks nationwide through MHS branches around the country
   • Linkage developed, followed up and monitored as national roll-out carried out
   • Publicizing the availability and the roles of the service desk to local communities where the district branches are located
   • Further compilations in national database of welfare and social support providers

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To improve and document all key internal processes so that they meet MS ISO 9000 Quality Standards by the end of 2015.

1. To identify and implement administrative processes for urgent and critical requirements
2. To develop and implement practical administrative standards and processes
3. To identify, develop and implement ICT for better networking, communication and support systems for all activities
4. To identify, develop and implement strong funding initiatives for all extraneous programmes and activities carried out

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To ensure that MHS is recognized as the principal authority on matters related to Hindus and Hinduism by all relevant government at the Federal, State and District Levels by end of 2015.

1. To identify and develop a comprehensive database of Government Agencies comprising names of relevant strategic government agencies, their contact details, functionalities and related laws.
2. To develop a Strategic Liaison Paper (listing our needs and detailing their expectations from us) for each of the agencies identified.
3. To initiate and participate in Dialogue Sessions once in every 4 months to discuss the Strategic Liaison Paper.