Indian community not neglected, says Anwar

Indian community not neglected, says Anwar

Published: Jul 8, 2024 11:55 PM


Additional government allocations specifically to improve the socio-economic status of the Indian community in the country are proof that the government does not neglect this group, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar said the government had previously allocated RM100 million to the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) in addition to increasing several funds, such as RM50 million each to the National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund (Tekun Nasional) and Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia for the Indian community.

“If the representatives of the Indian community speak to me (about the welfare of the community), I will try to solve it. Look, some people say Mitra (has issues), but that’s not true. Mitra alone (received) RM100 million.

“Tekun (for) small Indian traders, we added RM50 million, and previously Amanah Ikhtiar was for poor villagers, we helped everyone. Now, we have also added RM50 million to Amanah Ikhtiar for the Indian community, so it’s not true to say we don’t care,” he said at the “Santai Bersama Komuniti India Parlimen Tambun” programme in Ipoh today.

The Tambun MP further said the steps taken by the government to assist the Indian community resulted from feedback and discussions with friends, state executive councillors, assemblymen, and representatives of the Indian community regarding their issues.

More doors being opened

Anwar added that he has also asked Rural and Regional Development Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to provide opportunities for Indian children to participate in Technical and Vocational Education and Training, which began this year.

“I have also told Petronas to give scholarships to the Indian community. Previously, it focused on the Malay community, which is okay... but now for the Indian community, training and staffing opportunities are available, with more than 1,000 scholarships being provided.

“So if the (Indian) community leaders do not talk about this and only express anger, people will not sympathise. That’s why I say complaints are okay, but don't say things like Anwar does not care at all.

“This is not true, see all that we have provided, and these are all new,” he said.

The prime minister said he has asked Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek to train more Tamil language teachers so that students who wish to learn the language do not face any problems.

“The national language is Malay, but if Chinese children want to learn Chinese, we provide the opportunity. We don’t lose anything. Our country benefits if Malaysian children know Tamil, Chinese, and Arabic, which can be advantageous for the country,” he said.

Additionally, Anwar said he and the leadership, along with the community as a whole, need to work together to save the country from corruption and to end racism.

He said Malaysia is now entering a new era, the digital era with artificial intelligence, and children have been given the best, including the best teachers.

“That is my appeal, I’ll continue to repeat this without hesitation, I would say that we will work hard, I don’t care what people want to say or suggest, one thing is important, we have to save this country from the greedy leaders who have been stealing money from this country.

“We have to save this country from racists and religious fanatics from all races and all religions… And as long as I’m the prime minister, I will do what is possible to save this country,” he added.

- Bernama