The establishment of the National Council for Indian Community Affairs is one of three recommendations put forward in the Action Plan Roadmap by the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (MITRA). Deputy National Unity Minister K. Saraswathy announced that the council will be led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The council’s primary role will be to make strategic decisions concerning the policies and financial allocations of the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (MITRA).
This leadership aims to ensure that MITRA’s initiatives are effectively aligned with the broader goals of supporting and uplifting the Indian community in Malaysia. The report also includes two additional recommendations: setting up a MITRA trust account and restructuring the agency’s organizational framework.
Deputy National Unity Minister K. Saraswathy explained during a press conference, while presenting the MITRA Action Plan Roadmap, that the purpose of establishing a MITRA trust account is to enable the transfer of any unspent allocations from the current year into this account.
“Meanwhile, the reorganization of all Mitra organizations is designed to enhance the efficiency of service delivery and improve the socioeconomic development of the B40 Indian community in Malaysia,” she said.
Saraswathy explained that the plan was created based on a study conducted by Pemandu Associates Sdn Bhd, which was commissioned by the National Unity Ministry (KPN). This study, which took place over 16 weeks from March 7 to July 6, involved gathering data and feedback through public questionnaires. The aim was to assess the effectiveness of previous MITRA programs and their impact on the community. She mentioned that the feedback collected was used to generate a comprehensive report, which includes an action plan with program proposals and initiatives aimed at enhancing and empowering the socioeconomic status of the Indian community. The report outlines four key areas of focus that are prioritized to help MITRA achieve its goals for socioeconomic development within the community.
MITRA was formerly under the jurisdiction of the KPN before being moved to the JPM in April. According to Saraswathy, the action plan focuses on targeted interventions to tackle the issues and challenges faced by the Indian community. She stated that with the implementation of the proposed programs and initiatives, MITRA could play a crucial role in improving the living standards of the B40 group within the Indian society.
“In addition, continued monitoring and evaluation should be carried out so that the Malaysian Indian community will have the potential to achieve a high socioeconomic position and standard of living,” she said.
The final report of the Mitra roadmap was submitted to the Prime Minister for review on July 17. The Prime Minister expressed support for the direction outlined in Mitra’s action plan. The Mitra Action Plan Roadmap represents a significant step towards enhancing the socioeconomic status of the Malaysian Indian community.
Source: Bernama
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