KUALA LUMPUR – The RM130 million allocation announced for the Indian community under Budget 2025 should not be considered the only government aid for Indians as there are plenty of other initiatives aimed at uplifting the community.
Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan (Sg Buloh-PH) said there are a number of other efforts undertaken by the current administration to ensure the wellbeing of the Indian community.
Noting that there has been some “confusion” over the allocation part of the federal budget, Ramanan highlighted several other Indian community-centric programmes, which he said were not included in the budget tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (Tambun-PH).
“If we look at the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry, we have conducted many initiatives for the Indian community,” the deputy minister told the Dewan Rakyat today in response to an additional question from opposition MP Datuk Abdul Khalib Abdullah (Rompin-PN).
“(Additionally), there is also the Prosperity Empowerment and A New Normal for Indian Women (PENN) initiative by Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia involving RM50 million and the Indian Community Entrepreneur Development Scheme (SPUMI) involving an additional RM30 million.”
Ramanan also pointed out that some budget allocations, such as those involving public utilities like hospitals and schools, are meant to benefit all levels of society regardless of their race.
Previously, Ramanan had hit out at certain parties claiming that the Indian community felt marginalised after being allocated RM130 million in the budget tabled by Anwar, who is also finance minister, last Friday.
He also reminded the Indian community to not be influenced by allegations from irresponsible parties, urging those who made such claims to examine the budget properly before issuing statements.
His remarks came after it was reported that Malaysian Indian People’s Party information chief Suthan Mookiah had criticised the budget for allegedly neglecting the plight of the Indian community.
The Perikatan Nasional component party leader had questioned whether the RM130 million allocation could empower and help raise the socio-economic status of Indians. – October 23, 2024