Budget didn’t consider Indian community’s wishes, says govt MP

FMT: 

Budget didn’t consider

Indian community’s

wishes, says govt MP

Lynelle Tham

-28 Oct 2024, 04:39 PM

Klang MP V Ganabatirau says the allocation for Mitra remained at RM100 despite Indian community leaders requesting an increase to RM300 million during a pre-budget dialogue.

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Klang MP V Ganabatirau  proposed an allocation of RM250 million for Tamil and Chinese national-type schools to fund facility upgrades and school relocations.

KUALA LUMPUR: 

The 2025 budget tabled on Oct 18 has failed to consider the suggestions and wishes of certain groups, particularly the Indian community, says a government backbencher.

While the government’s Madani slogan emphasises renewal through inclusive reform, V Ganabatirau (PH-Klang) said funding for the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) continues to fall short.

“Is it fair for the government to keep Mitra’s allocation at RM100 million for nine years without any increase?” he questioned when debating the 2025 supply bill in the Dewan Rakyat today.

“The population and needs of the Indian community continue to grow, yet the allocation for socio-economic development remains stagnant.”

Ganabatirau said that leaders from the Indian community had collectively requested an increase in Mitra’s allocation to RM300 million during a dialogue before the budget announcement.

“Such an increase is only fair, considering there has been no adjustment over the past nine years.”

He also proposed raising the Tekun Nasional allocation for the Indian community from RM30 million to RM100 million, expressing confidence that many Indian entrepreneurs are eager to access Tekun financing.

The DAP lawmaker further called for enhanced educational support, proposing RM250 million for Tamil and Chinese national-type schools to fund facility upgrades and school relocations.

Ganabatirau further suggested a dedicated RM200 million scholarship fund for Indian students pursuing higher education, along with an increase in their admission quotas at public universities.

“I acknowledge that the government might argue that the Indian or Chinese communities should not rely solely on specific allocations but should also benefit from general allocations.

“However, I ask, is it truly easy for non-Bumiputeras to apply for government grants, loans or participate in procurement, government projects or mainstream initiatives?”