"There has to be a more efficient use of government dollars"
Dr Tausif Malik has announced the launch of the Global Desi republican Caucus (GDRC).
This platform aims to empower the Desi diaspora in the US and abroad by aligning their values with the Republican Party’s vision of fiscal responsibility, family unity and an ‘America First’ policy.
GDRC seeks to address issues that affect Desi Americans, including the elimination of double taxation on non-resident Americans, affordable healthcare, economic empowerment, and fostering family values.
The Caucus aims to provide a solid platform to amplify their voices and influence US policies.
Dr Malik said: “South Asians have contributed immensely to America’s social, economic, and cultural fabric.
“It’s time we channel our collective influence to shape policies that resonate with our community’s core values: Family, affordability, education, opportunity, and unity.
“The Republican Party’s emphasis on reducing government overreach and fostering entrepreneurship aligns perfectly with the aspirations of Desi Americans.”
Joining Dr Malik as co-founder is Dr Shabana Parvez.
They bring a unique blend of expertise in governance, healthcare, and community advocacy to this transformative platform.
Dr Parvez said: “As a board-certified ER physician, I have firsthand experience of the gaps in our healthcare system and the lack of access to primary care that lead to our emergency departments being overcrowded and hospital staff being overworked.
“Meanwhile my relatives in India have easy access to cheap primary and specialty care while the ERs are mostly empty.
“The sad reality is that Americans have one of the worst healthcare statuses while spending more than any country in the world.
“There has to be a more efficient use of government dollars allocated to healthcare ”
Born in Pune, Dr Malik was inspired by public service and community upliftment. He said India prioritises its citizens by offering subsidised education and ensuring primary healthcare access, reducing the reliance on emergency room visits.
Reflecting on his heritage, Dr Malik shared a connection to the Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
He said: “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s guiding principle was ‘people first’.
“As Maharashtrians say in Marathi, Amhi Maharajanancha Mawad – ‘We are the people of Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’.
“This philosophy inspires my vision to prioritise community welfare in every initiative.”
Originally from Hyderabad, Dr Parvez is dedicated to family values, accessible, healthcare and women’s empowerment through education and entrepreneurship.
She said: “Having firsthand experience of the inefficiencies in America’s healthcare system, I am committed to advocating for affordable, accessible primary care.”
The GDRC emerged from Dr Malik’s dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party’s handling of issues like the Middle East crisis, student debt reform, and healthcare.
Inspired by President-elect Donald Trump’s cost-cutting policies and support for non-resident Americans, Dr Malik sees the GDRC as a driver of change.
Surprisingly, Senator Bernie Sanders endorsed Trump’s proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aimed at reducing federal waste, highlighting the Pentagon’s repeated audit failures.
Dr Malik praised this bipartisan focus on fiscal responsibility, emphasizing its potential to fund affordable healthcare and education.
Meanwhile, President Biden’s controversial pardon of Hunter Biden has further strained the Democratic Party, already facing criticism and electoral challenges.
The key issues the GDRC is committed to tackling include:
- Elimination of Double Taxation: Advocating for tax reforms that benefit non-resident Americans.
- Affordable Healthcare: Proposing innovative solutions to reduce healthcare costs while improving access.
- Economic Empowerment: Supporting entrepreneurship and reducing government overreach.
- Affordable Education: Championing reforms to make education accessible and reduce student debt.
- Family Values: Strengthening policies that promote unity and community welfare.
The GDRC recognises the struggles South Asians in retail face due to rising shoplifting and retail crime.
In 2023, California reported a two-decade high of 213,000 incidents. Dr Malik criticised Proposition 47, which classifies theft under $950 as a misdemeanour, for worsening the problem.
On the double taxation issue, Dr Malik said:
“As a non-resident American myself, I understand the hurdles faced by our diaspora.”
“By advocating for tax reforms and inclusive policies, we aim to ensure the South Asian diaspora can thrive globally while maintaining strong ties to America.”
He concluded: “Together, we can build a future that honours our values, embraces innovation, and strengthens America’s promise of prosperity for all.”
Dr Parvez added: “As South Asians, we bring a rich tapestry of values, culture, and innovation to every aspect of life in the United States.
“Through the Global Desi Republican Caucus, we have an opportunity to shape policies that reflect our collective priorities – affordable healthcare, affordable education, economic empowerment, and strong family values – while contributing to America’s growth and prosperity.
“Together, we can create a future where our voices are heard, our concerns are addressed, and our community thrives.
“This is our moment to lead with purpose and make a meaningful impact.”
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