Latest news with #PPrabakaran
Focus Malaysia
4 days ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Controversy brews over Nurul Izzah's ‘silent' efforts for Indian community
A CONTROVERSY is brewing after PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar defended her 'quiet approach' to addressing longstanding issues faced by the Indian community. It drew criticism from MIC deputy president M Saravanan, who has demanded proof of her efforts to support the community. Now, the Member of Parliament for Batu, P Prabakaran has offered to mediate by proposing a roundtable to try to resolve the conflict. Explaining her point, Nurul Izzah said, 'For the longest time, I have chosen to work quietly because I believe in substance before spectacle.' On Thursday, she insisted that her silence does not equate to inaction. She cited year-long roundtables with economists, civil society groups, and community leaders that developed proposals including technical training hubs, preschool education policies, and entrepreneurship incubators under the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). However, Saravanan has challenged her claims, demanding proof of concrete outcomes. 'So, we ask Nurul Izzah, if you are indeed working for the community, please start by disclosing what has been done or proposed on the matriculation intake issue. Let the Indian community see for themselves whether your silent efforts have translated into real, visible outcomes,' Saravanan said. He warned against repeating MIC's past mistake of remaining silent on community demands during BN's rule. 'MIC has submitted an eight-point agenda for the 13th Malaysia Plan, outlining clear and measurable reforms to address long-standing challenges faced by the Indian community,' Saravanan added. Amid the clash, P Prabakaran has offered to mediate by proposing a roundtable involving the government, opposition, civil society, and Indian community leaders to 'objectively evaluate existing objectives and policies' and form inclusive solutions. P Prabakaran said finger-pointing was not constructive, and that a more mature approach was required. 'As such, I propose a roundtable be held soon,' he said in a statement yesterday. Prabakaran said, adding that a joint forum could resolve tensions threatening Madani government unity. —July 6, 2025 Main image: Bernama
Malaysiakini
09-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysiakini
Ensure successful execution of Mitra funding and programmes
LETTER | In August 2024, Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) chairperson P Prabakaran requested an increase in the allocation for the Indian community to RM300 million in Budget 2025, up from the current RM100 million. The Batu MP said the RM100 million allocated annually wasn't enough to effectively fund initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic status of Malaysian Indians. He highlighted concerns that the amount would be inadequate to meet the diverse needs of the community and drive meaningful upliftment programs. Now given that Mitra has endorsed 45 applications totalling RM40 million, which are awaiting processing at the Prime Minister's Office, why is there a delay in their disbursement? Prabakaran had emphasised that the government needs to boost the budget to adequately support projects that are genuinely transformational for the Indian community. Why are funding initiatives for the Indian community not given higher importance? As June approaches, it is concerning that the Indian community remains unaware of the actual disbursement status of the RM100 million allocated to Mitra this year. It is crucial that these funds are approved and effectively implemented without delay to provide tangible benefits for the Indian community. Mitra opened applications for the Socioeconomic Development Grant Programme for the Malaysian Indian Community 2025 from Oct 15 to Nov 14, 2024. That was about seven months ago. Mitra should undergo a full restructuring. To fulfil her May 23 PKR election's promise to champion the Indian community, Nurul Izzah Anwar faces the critical task of fast-tracking Mitra's initiatives and programmes. She must guarantee the swift approval and implementation of the RM40 million allocated for Phase 1 of Budget 2025, as any further delays will hinder tangible progress and risk the return of unutilised funds to the Finance Ministry by the third quarter of 2025. It's been almost four months since funds amounting to RM40 million for NGOs and training organisations were approved and agreements were signed. Yet, the money remains undistributed, and there's no clear execution plan in sight. This delay hinders vital community works and training initiatives The recommendation is for community development professionals and experts to lead the organisation. This change is crucial to ensure both transparency and effective management within Mitra. The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
Malaysiakini
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Mitra denies laptops distributed to Tamil schools unusable
The Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) has denied claims that none of the refurbished laptops it distributed under a RM3.26 million programme are being used in schools. Responding to allegations previously issued by Malaysian Indian People's Party (MIPP) deputy president S Subramaniam, Mitra's special task force committee said their survey found that the programme had an overall positive impact on school administrators and teachers. The committee's chairperson P Prabakaran said...
