Latest news with #MalaysianIndianTransformationUnit
Malaysiakini
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
All Indian lawmakers must fight for community's needs
MP SPEAKS | As the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) moves towards tabling in Parliament, we must recognise that this moment is crucial for the Indian community. Under the Madani government, there have been sincere efforts to address historical and structural challenges faced by Indian Malaysians. Through the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra), educational support, temple land assistance, skills training, and targeted community programmes, the government has shown its intention to include the Indian agenda in national development. These efforts are commendable. They show progress. But we must be honest. Progress without structure, without consistency, and without accountability will not deliver real transformation. The Indian community needs more than temporary programmes and token allocations. It needs a permanent place within the national policy framework. As the Klang MP, I have consistently raised these concerns at every available platform, including inside Parliament, in government discussions, and at the grassroots. I have highlighted the underrepresentation of Indians in higher education, the lack of upward mobility among Indian youth, the need for proper land solutions for temples and crematoriums, and the limited access to funding and training for small Indian businesses. But I say this with clarity and conviction. I cannot and should not be the only voice. I call upon all Indian parliamentarians from all political affiliations to stand up in Parliament and review the 13MP thoroughly when it is tabled. If the Indian community is underrepresented or its needs are vaguely mentioned, we must not keep quiet. We must speak with strength, clarity, and unity. This is not about attacking the government. It is about defending the people we represent. Emulate Saravanan I want to specifically acknowledge the strong and consistent voice of Tapah MP M Saravanan. Although he does not hold a cabinet position, he continues to be one of the most vocal defenders of Indian community interests. M Saravanan (left) meeting the people during an event when he was human resources minister circa 2022 His commitment shows that you do not need a ministerial title to fight for your people. You need will and courage. Every Indian MP must match that level of commitment. The time to wait and see is over. Our community is watching us. They are waiting for leadership, not excuses. I also urge Indian senators, appointed representatives, and leaders in government-linked agencies to study the 13MP carefully and to speak up if anything is missing. We cannot continue to be comfortable in our positions while our community remains at the margins of development. What to include in 13MP The Indian community deserves strong and lasting solutions, including: Fair and equitable access to education and skills training Legal and permanent land solutions for temples and burial grounds Structured participation in the digital economy and TVET pipelines Tailored microcredit and entrepreneurship support for Indian businesses Targeted youth and women empowerment programmes Representation of Indian professionals in national decision-making bodies Transparent monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to ensure delivery If these are not fully reflected in the 13MP, we must demand they be added through follow-up mechanisms, amendments, and budget frameworks. Parliamentary debate is not a formality. It is our chance to shape the national direction. We acknowledge the government's commitment. But commitment must now be matched with results. And those results must be fought for, not just by one or two MPs, but by every Indian elected representative in Parliament. Let the 13MP be remembered as the moment when Indian MPs stood united for the future of our community. Because silence is no longer an option. Our people have waited long enough. V GANABATIRAU is the Klang MP. The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
Malaysiakini
13-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysiakini
PM has final say on Mitra funds disbursement, says Prabakaran
Amid questions about delays in dishing out Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit's (Mitra) funds, one of its officials said the final decision rests on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Its special task force committee chairperson P Prabarakan said Mitra received 1,332 applications for funds between Dec 2, 2024, and Jan 5, 2025, under the Mitra Socioeconomic Development Grant Programme 2025. 'Based on our guidelines...
Malaysiakini
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
DAP senator urges PM to intervene over Mitra's delay in disbursing funds
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim must intervene and resolve issues involving the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit's (Mitra) delay in disbursing funds to approved programmes, a DAP senator said. Dr A Lingeshwaran said he was made to understand that 45 community-focused programmes endorsed by Mitra, valued at RM40 million under Phase 1 of Budget 2025, have yet to receive funds. 'These are not...
The Sun
12-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
80,000 students participate in Cybersafe in schools programme
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra), in collaboration with CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM), today launched the CyberSAFE in Schools Programme as part of efforts to enhance digital safety awareness among students. The programme, officiated by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, targets the participation of more than 80,000 students aged between 10 and 17 from 500 schools, comprising 200 Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJKT) and 300 Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) across nine states. Dr Zaliha said the programme was aimed at raising awareness and building students' resilience against cyber threats, including online grooming, cyberbullying, online sexual exploitation, the spread of fake news, and the irresponsible use of social media. 'This programme will be implemented over a period of 15 months, involving 500 schools across nine states. It is timely, as cyber threats are an issue that must be addressed from a young age. 'Children need to be taught about cyber security and the actions they can take to protect themselves,' she said after launching the programme at SJKT Thamboosamy Pillai here. Also present were MITRA Special Task Force Committee chairman P. Prabakaran, who is also the Batu MP and CSM chief executive officer Datuk Dr Amirudin Abdul Wahab. The CyberSAFE in Schools programme, which began last month, is conducted interactively over two hours, covering topics such as safe internet usage, social media ethics, password management and the psychological impact of excessive screen time. The programme also emphasises guidance on identifying false information, in addition to channels for reporting cyber incidents and seeking support. Meanwhile, Amirudin said the programme offered students comprehensive exposure to various aspects of cybersecurity, with their understanding assessed indirectly through quizzes and questions posed by speakers. 'This approach is intended to help students become more aware, gain a deeper understanding, and apply cybersecurity knowledge in their daily lives,' he told Bernama. He added that three or four students from each school would also be appointed as CyberSAFE ambassadors, who would be trained to serve as agents of change and peer references on cybersecurity issues.
Malaysiakini
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
DAP senator urges PM to intervene over Mitra's delay in disbursing funds
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim must intervene and resolve issues involving the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit's (Mitra) delay in disbursing funds to approved programmes, a DAP senator said. Dr A Lingeshwaran said he was made to understand that 45 community-focused programmes endorsed by Mitra, valued at RM40 million under Phase 1 of Budget 2025, have yet to receive funds. 'These are not...
