Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that he will personally oversee all matters concerning the Indian community to ensure their welfare and interests are safeguarded. This move aims to enhance the coordination of government policies affecting the community and is not intended to undermine the role of Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar stated that the coordination will cover various areas, including financing through the National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund (TEKUN), Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), financing guarantee schemes, as well as economic development and welfare programs tailored for the Indian community. He emphasized that while Ramanan has been handling these issues, he will now personally take charge and monitor the concerns of the Indian community, extending beyond those managed by the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (MITRA).
Anwar reiterated his commitment at the Majlis Ramah Mesra PMX Bersama Komuniti India event, emphasizing that Ramanan will continue executing the decided tasks and programs. However, Anwar will ensure that issues impacting the community receive adequate attention. His decision for direct involvement was spurred by appeals and concerns from the community regarding the challenges they face.
He assured that the current leadership, including Ramanan, would collaborate to protect the community's welfare and interests. Anwar emphasized his stance by highlighting the numerous appeals and concerns raised by the Indian community, indicating a more hands-on approach in addressing their issues.
Furthermore, Anwar encouraged the Indian community to assess the MADANI Government based on its track record of implementing initiatives for the community rather than relying on perceptions or allegations. Over the past three and a half years, the government has introduced various policies and expanded access to financing, education, and welfare programs to benefit the Indian community. Anwar highlighted the government's achievement in ensuring that students with 10As, regardless of ethnicity, automatically receive matriculation placements, urging the community to acknowledge the efforts made by the MADANI Government.