Kuala Lumpur, Nov. 22 : The Malaysian Cabinet had doubled the quota for Indians in the country’s civil service from 3.5 per cent to seven per cent.

The New Strait Times quoted Human Resources Minister Dr. S. Subramaniam as saying that the Prime Minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, had directed the Public Service Department to take this step on Friday.

According to the paper, Badawi also gave an assurance that applications would be approved based on job descriptions and merit.

He said Abdullah had commented on the issue after he (Subramaniam) raised the matter in the cabinet.

Subramaniam was speaking to reporters after closing the national tripartite conference on decent work at the Putra World Trade Centre.

Earlier in a press statement, he urged the Public Services Commission (PSC) to ensure a minimum intake of at least seven per cent of Indians in all job categories in the public service.

The MIC secretary-general said the party had been requesting for a higher quota for some time. (ANI)