Kuala lumpur: The Deepavali celebration this year symbolizes the strength, unity, and progress of the Indian community in Malaysia, which continues to thrive in line with the nation's aspirations under the MADANI Government, says Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ramanan, who is also Sungai Buloh MP, emphasized that the spirit of Deepavali as a victory of light over darkness should be reflected through efforts to strengthen unity and empower the Indian community's economy. He remarked, "The light of Deepavali is not merely a religious symbol, but also represents strength, love, and unity. In the spirit of Malaysia MADANI, let us unite and play an active role in building a more prosperous and inclusive future in tandem with the nation's development."
The PKR vice-president expressed hope that this year's Deepavali celebration would be a beacon of 'puthiya nambikei' or new hope, for the Indian community. He urged unity in achieving the shared mission to bolster the Indian community's economy, assuring that the MADANI Government remains committed to fulfilling and upholding the hopes of the Indian community.
Ramanan, responsible for Indian community affairs, highlighted that the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP) is dedicated to supporting Indian entrepreneurs and cooperatives through various initiatives. These include the Indian Community Entrepreneur Development Programme (SPUMI) and SPUMI Goes Big under TEKUN Nasional, with an allocation of RM100 million.
Other initiatives mentioned by Ramanan include the Indian Women Entrepreneur Empowerment Programme (PENN) by Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) with RM100 million in funding, the BRIEF-i Programme under Bank Rakyat with RM100 million in financing, the I-BAP SME Corp Matching Grant worth RM6 million, and RM50 million allocated by SME Bank for the Vanigham Programme.
Additionally, the SOORIAN Programme under PERNAS has allocated RM54.5 million-the first such special provision in the agency's history. Ramanan also noted the implementation of the Vanakam MADANI Entrepreneurial Training Programme, in collaboration with agencies such as AIM, Bank Rakyat, the Malaysian Co-operative Societies Commission, and INSKEN, to strengthen entrepreneurial capacity within the Indian community.
Ramanan highlighted that initiatives implemented through KUSKOP agencies so far involve allocations exceeding RM500 million specifically for the Indian community. This is in addition to other initiatives by ministries such as the Ministry of Education (MOE), the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), and the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA), which also offer special programs for the community's benefit.
"Under KUSKOP, we aim to see more Indian entrepreneurs succeed at both domestic and international levels. This is the true meaning of the Deepavali light-guiding, illuminating, and paving the way towards shared success," Ramanan concluded.