Kuala Lumpur:Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on Indian-based political parties allied with BN to prioritize the youth's involvement in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid emphasized the importance of TVET in securing future job opportunities for the Indian community's younger generation. As the Deputy Prime Minister and chairman of the National TVET Council, he urged these parties to advocate for Indian youth to participate in TVET programs.

Ahmad Zahid conveyed this message during the 18th General Assembly of Makkal Sakti Party Malaysia at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. The event was attended by Makkal Sakti president Datuk Seri R.S. Thannenthiran, Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress (KIMMA) president Datuk Seri Syed Ibrahim Kader, MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan, MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Mah Hang Soon, and representatives from BN component parties and "Friends of BN."

He highlighted the need for the education and skills training agenda to be inclusive and accessible to all Malaysians, regardless of race. As part of this effort, the government has facilitated the studies of 1,000 Indian TVET students in China, free of charge.

Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, stressed that TVET should be available to Malaysians of all ethnic backgrounds, including Malays, Chinese, Indians, Ibans, and Kadazans. He pointed out that TVET offers pathways to employment, with some students receiving job offers with starting salaries over RM3,000 even before completing their studies.

Additionally, he encouraged Indian micro-entrepreneurs to utilize various government initiatives, such as business loans from Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), which are now available to all races.