INDIAN COMMUNITY HOPES FOR GREATER EQUITY OWNERSHIP, EDUCATION AND PUBLIC SECTOR PARTICIPATION - SG SIPUT MP

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- The Indian community hopes for greater emphasis on issues such as equity ownership, education, and participation in the public sector to ensure their continued progress under the Unity government, said Sungai Siput member of parliament (MP), Kesavan Subramaniam. 

While acknowledging that there is room for improvement in the Budget 2025, the Unity government representative highlighted that the Indian community has still received significant benefits, notably through an annual allocation of RM100 million to the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA).

This funding supports 14 initiatives, including the Professional Cybersecurity Certification Training and Placement Programme, MITRA’s Early Entry Assistance Programme for Higher Education, and dialysis subsidies.

"The Indian community also continues to benefit from initiatives led by the Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, with seven key programmes, including the Empowerment and Development Programme for Indian Women (PENN), Vanakkam Madani, and the upcoming 2024 Indian Community Cooperative Conference," he added in an exclusive interview with Bernama, marking the two-year anniversary of the MADANI Government's administration. 

He noted that the Budget 2025 includes increased assistance through various ministries, such as the Rahmah Cash Aid for households, which will rise from RM3,700 to RM4,600 starting next year, benefiting the Indian community as well.

"The back-to-school assistance has also been increased to RM150 per student, up from RM100, offering a positive impact on Indian families in need," he explained while dismissing claims from certain parties that the budget does not benefit the Indian community.

"That is not accurate. However, we do acknowledge the need for improvements, such as increasing MITRA's annual allocation from RM100 million to RM300 million in the future," he said.

Kesavan also highlighted one of the main concerns raised with other Indian MPs is that the current Indian representation in the public sector stands at just 4.5 percent, a significant drop from 15 percent in the 1970s.

He expressed hope that the Prime Minister would consider increasing the quota for Indian students in matriculation programmes, thereby providing greater access to higher education, and introduce measures to raise Indian equity ownership from its current 1.15 percent to at least 3 percent.

"I consistently bring up these issues in parliamentary debates. They are crucial and frequently addressed by Indian MPs," he said.

Kesavan also urged social media influencers to play a role in spreading information about government assistance to the Indian community, ensuring it reaches those who need it most.

-- BERNAMA