Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s direct engagement with Indian community leaders is helping the government to understand the issues faced by the community better and identify areas that need further action.
Special Duties Officer to the Prime Minister M.Shamugam said feedback gathered during these discussion could be reflected in future government policies and initiatives, including the 2027 Budget, which will be tabled on 9th October.
The latest engagement was held on 3rd September, marking the second such session involving Datuk Seri Anwar and representatives from the business sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community organizations.
Among the key matters discussed were education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), matriculation, universities, entrepreneurship, financing, development, the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (MITRA), welfare and government service delivery.
“This is still at an early stage as we are collecting input and definitely it will be translated into action through the Budget, as well as initiatives from the Prime Minister’s Office,” Shanmugam said.
He added that Datuk Seri Anwar would also bring the requests to the Cabinet with issues to be considered based on the government’s ability to address them.
Listening Directly to the Community
According to Shanmugam, the engagement reflects Datuk Seri Anwar’s approach of listening directly to the Indian community to better understand it’s needs before turning the feedback into action.
The discussions were also limited to Indian community matters, as participants raised wider issues related to Malaysia’s economic and social development.
Previously, Datuk Seri Anwar said the MADANI Government would continue working to improve the Indian community’s standard of living as part of the national development agenda.
This includes widening financial opportunities for entrepreneurs, strengthening MITRA, improving entrepreneurship and TVET opportunities, and creatin more youth development programmes through mentor-mentee initiatives.
Onam Celebration Brings Communities Together
Shanmugam shared the update while he officiated Onam Vannallo 4.0, a national Onam celebration.
All Malaysian Malayalee Association (AMMA) president Datin Seri Shaila Nair said around 650 people attended the celebration, which included cultural performances and the traditional Onam Sadhya feast. She welcomed the participation of Malaysians from different communities, saying it reflected the celebration’s message of unity.
Sources: Bernama
