Malaysia Hindudharma Mamandram - Hinduism in Malaysia

Hinduism in Malaysia

It is estimated that 7.1% of the 25 million (July 2008 est.) total population of Malaysia, or about 1.79 million people, are ethnic Indians, most of whom are the descendents of indentured labourers brought to Malaya by the British from the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Of these ethnic Indians, almost 89% are Hindus. As one of the biggest Hindu organizations in Malaysia, the Malaysia Hindudharma Mamandram has been at the forefront of various issues facing the Indian community in Malaysia.

The Malaysia Hindudharma Mamandram was a founding member of the Malaysia Hindu Council (MHC), an umbrella organization of Hindu groups in the country formed with the aim of cooperation in dealing with the issues facing the Indian community as well as concerted efforts in social and religious work.

Also, Malaysia Hindudharma Mamandram has been an integral part of negotiations with the government of Malaysia in addressing the misgivings of Indians in Malaysia, a problem that came to the fore with the HINDRAF-led rallies in the capital Kuala Lumpur on November 25, 2007.