KUALA LUMPUR – Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan has praised Tamil-language media for playing a vital role in highlighting the concerns and aspirations of the Indian community, saying their contribution extends beyond simply reporting the news.
Speaking at a Deepavali gathering with Tamil media representatives yesterday, Ramanan said journalists, reporters and editors played an important role in ensuring accurate information reached the public and that the community’s voice was heard by the government.
“The media is not just a channel of information but also plays an important role in bringing the hopes and aspirations of the people to the government,” he said.
He also thanked media practitioners for helping the public distinguish between accurate information and false claims, particularly amid what he described as widespread slander.
“To give the correct, the true, the sincere, the real, the honest truth, only you all can do,” he added.
Ramanan said the contributions of reporters and editors were often overlooked, despite their crucial role in bringing news to the public.
“When we see good or bad news, when we read it, we see who is saying it, whether it is the government or the opposition. But we often forget the news agency, the reporter and the editor. They are the ones who give life to the news,” he said.
On efforts to uplift the Indian community, Ramanan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring it was not left behind in the country’s development.
He said various initiatives, including those implemented through the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA), would continue to focus on improving the community’s standard of living.
Ramanan highlighted MITRA’s increased allocation of RM150 million, crediting its chief executive officer, Raveendran Nair, and his team for their effective management of previous allocations.
He said another RM50 million had been allocated for schools, while funding through other government initiatives had brought the total allocation for the Indian community to more than RM1 billion.
Acknowledging that the overall funding included both grants and loans, Ramanan said the government was also shifting towards helping recipients build sustainable businesses rather than relying solely on financial assistance.
He cited the Uyiru Madani programme, which particularly targets the B40 group, as an example of efforts to provide more structured support.
The programme, he added, would continue next year to reach more beneficiaries.
Ramanan also urged Malaysians to work together and avoid allowing racial and religious differences to become political tools, stressing that national development required cooperation across communities.
“If we want to see ourselves do well and reach a certain level, we should work together. We should not talk about other communities. Why do they get this, why don’t we get this? Everyone will get it,” he said.
He also encouraged Malaysians celebrating Deepavali to spend quality time with their families and loved ones, while reminding those travelling to their hometowns to prioritise road safety. – November 5, 2026