Pemandu only consulted for Mitra, not given RM500,000 allocation, says minister

KUALA LUMPUR: The Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) only acted as a consultant for the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (Mitra), says Datuk Aaron Ago Anak Dagang.

The Unity Minister also said claims that Pemandu received a RM500,000 allocation from the government were untrue.

"We asked Pemandu to conduct a survey and a workshop and they asked for a fee of less than RM500,000. It's a fee, not an allocation," he told the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (March 13).

Aaron Ago said this in response to RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong), who asked about claims that Pemandu was given the authority to conduct programmes for Mitra.

He also said Pemandu would hold a workshop held next week as part of its survey to empower Mitra, adding that all MPs of Indian descent are encouraged to attend.

"I hope all of you will voice out what you want for your community. Pemandu will then list out everything you want and prioritise them.

"If you feel the Indian community doesn't need a consultant and that you can do this yourself, please say that during the workshop and we'll do it your way.

"But please come to the workshop and say your piece," he added.

The Socio-economic Development of the Indian Community Unit (Sedic) was renamed Mitra in 2018.

It was initially placed under the National Unity Ministry but was transferred to the Prime Minister's Department in September 2022.

In December last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that Mitra will be moved from the Prime Minister's Department and placed back under the National Unity Ministry.