KUALA LUMPUR – A group of prominent Indian Muslim corporate leaders has launched a nationwide initiative to improve access to education, business support and government assistance within the community, saying many continue to miss out on available programmes due to lack of awareness and connectivity.
The initiative is being spearheaded through Pertubuhan Gabungan Mukmin Nasional (Mukmin), an umbrella body formally registered this year after operating informally for the past two years.
Speaking to Scoop, Mukmin deputy president Datuk Seri Shaik Aqmal Allaudin said the organisation was created to bridge longstanding gaps between the Indian Muslim community and opportunities offered by government agencies, educational institutions and economic development programmes.
He said many Indian Muslims, particularly small and medium-sized business owners, often remain disconnected from available assistance despite being among the country’s most entrepreneurial communities.
“The Indian Muslim community is generally very independent. They run their own businesses and rarely seek assistance from the government.
However, there are many opportunities available that they may not be aware of because they are busy running their businesses, whether it is a restaurant, a bookshop or a retail outlet.
There is often a lack of connections and understanding about what assistance is available. We want to bridge that gap and ensure that members of the community are able to benefit from opportunities that already exist within government agencies and institutions,” he said.
According to Shaik Aqmal, Mukmin was formed by a group of corporate professionals who came together with a shared goal of contributing to community development.
What began as an informal network gradually gained traction among Indian Muslim organisations nationwide, eventually leading to its formal registration.
“We started as a loose group about two years ago. A few of us from the corporate sector came together and decided that we wanted to contribute more to society. Over the last two years, we carried out various activities under the same banner even though we were not officially registered.
“The response from associations and organisations throughout the country was overwhelmingly positive. Many encouraged us to formalise the movement so it could have a bigger impact,” he said.
Education has emerged as one of Mukmin’s key focus areas, with the organisation actively engaging universities and institutions to expand opportunities for students.
Shaik Aqmal said Mukmin had secured approximately RM5 million in scholarship opportunities and was assisting high-achieving students who still struggled to obtain university placements or financial aid.
“We have students who score nine As, 10 As and achieve outstanding academic results, but some still struggle to secure places in universities or access financial assistance.
We have met with universities and worked with various stakeholders to secure about RM5 million worth of scholarships. Our objective is to ensure deserving students are not left behind simply because they do not know where to turn for assistance,” he said.
Beyond education, Mukminis also focusing on entrepreneurship, community welfare and religious development as part of five core pillars aimed at uplifting the Indian Muslim community.
Unlike conventional organisations, Mukmin operates as a federation of associations rather than an individual membership body. Only registered associations can become members and nominate representatives.
Shaik Aqmal said this structure ensures accountability to the wider community rather than individuals.
“This organisation belongs to the Indian Muslim associations of Malaysia. It is not owned by individuals and not driven by any one personality.
Associations become members and nominate representatives to hold positions. This ensures accountability to the wider community,” he said.
Since its registration, Mukmin has attracted between 120 and 125 affiliated organisations, including NGOs, mosques and surau committees nationwide, with a target of 200 affiliates by year-end.
At the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM), former HRD Corp chief Datuk Wira Shahul Dawood was elected as the new President of Mukmin.
The organisation is also exploring the development of a convention centre and wedding hall in the Klang Valley to address rising costs and limited venue availability.
Shaik Aqmal said the proposed facility would cater not only to weddings but also to conventions, educational programmes and community events.
“In Kuala Lumpur, there are weddings almost every weekend, but suitable venues are limited and costs continue to rise.
We want to create a facility that serves the community’s needs, not only for weddings but also for conventions, educational programmes, religious events and other activities,” he said.
While details remain in planning, he said Mukmin hopes to complete the project within the next few years.
He added that the organisation’s broader goal is to strengthen engagement between policymakers and the Indian Muslim community while ensuring greater access to available opportunities.
“Ultimately, we want to create a platform where the community has a voice and can benefit from opportunities that already exist,” he said. – June 3, 2026