KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will announce several new initiatives under the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Aug 19).
Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the government would adopt a more strategic and effective approach in designing programmes under Mitra.
"I am confident that these initiatives will deliver a greater impact on the socio-economic development of the Indian community, ensuring they continue to benefit from the country's growth.
"This step also reflects the government's ongoing commitment to elevate the role of the Indian community as partners in national development through an inclusive, progressive and impactful approach," he told the Dewan Rakyat during the 13th Malaysia Plan winding-up speech on Monday (Aug 18).
Ramanan said the government is also reviewing proposals to restructure Mitra, establish a Cabinet committee for Indian community affairs and implement other strategic measures in the near future.
He also rejected claims that Mitra had failed to spend its allocations for 2023 and 2024.
Instead, he said 100% of its RM100mil allocation in 2023 and 99% of its RM98.9mil budget in 2024 were utilised.
"Last year alone, 221 Mitra initiatives benefited 134,510 people while a further 122,082 beneficiaries were recorded under 13 programmes in 2024.
"In contrast, between 2020 and 2022, only 62% to 65% of the funds were spent, leaving some RM108.7mil returned to the Finance Ministry," he said.
He added that the unused funds during the pandemic years were a "huge loss" as they should have been channelled to assist the community.
"If anyone claims Mitra has failed, the failure was during the previous administration.
"Under the unity government, Mitra has proven that every allocation is translated into tangible benefits for the Indian community," he said.
