SEREMBAN, July 29 (Bernama) — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he would personally oversee all issues concerning the Indian community to ensure its welfare and interests continue to be safeguarded.
He said the move was aimed at strengthening coordination of government policies involving the community, and was not intended to diminish the role of Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.
Anwar said the coordination would encompass various aspects, including financing through the National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund (TEKUN), Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), financing guarantee schemes, as well as economic development and welfare programmes for the Indian community.
“I have asked Ramanan to handle these matters all this while. But from now on, I will personally take charge of and monitor all issues concerning the Indian community, not only those under MITRA (the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit).
“Ramanan will, of course, continue to carry out the tasks and programmes that have been decided, but I will personally ensure that issues affecting the community are given due attention,” he said at the Majlis Ramah Mesra PMX Bersama Komuniti India event here tonight.
Also present were Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, Ramanan, leaders of non-governmental organisations and local community figures.
Anwar said his decision to be directly involved was made following appeals and various concerns raised by the community over the challenges and issues affecting them.
He assured that the existing leadership, including Ramanan, would continue working together to safeguard the welfare and interests of the community.
“I am saying this tonight following the many appeals and concerns raised by the Indian community. I will personally oversee matters concerning the Indian community from now on,” he said.
Anwar also urged the Indian community to evaluate the MADANI Government based on its track record in implementing various initiatives for the community, rather than perceptions or allegations made by certain quarters.
He said that over the past three and a half years, the government had introduced various policies and widened access to financing, education and welfare programmes for the benefit of the Indian community.
“For the first time in the country’s history, students who obtain 10As, regardless of whether they are Malay, Chinese or Indian, will automatically secure places in matriculation. At the very least, acknowledge the efforts that we (the MADANI Government) have made,” he said.
–BERNAMA