KUALA LUMPUR – The RM30-million allocation for the Malaysian Indians Skills Initiative (Misi) underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to the Indian community.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim emphasised that Misi, led by his ministry through Human Resource Development Corp in collaboration with the Finance Ministry and the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra), aimed to enhance the skills of Indian youth.
“This initiative will focus on training in critical areas that meet industry demands and national needs,” Sim said in a press release today.
“It aligns with (the Human Resources Ministry’s) 3K aspirations to enhance the welfare, skills and success of workers.”
According to Bernama, Mitra Special Task Force Committee chairman P. Prabakaran highlighted that “Misi Kesuma-Mitra” was a joint effort between Mitra and the Human Resources Ministry aimed at upgrading skilled labour.
“In total, RM30 million has been allocated under (the Human Resources Ministry) to facilitate Misi programmes, with (the Human Resources Ministry) contributing RM10 million, Mitra providing RM10 million, and, as announced by the prime minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) yesterday, the Finance Ministry will contribute RM10 million,” the Batu MP said.
Prabakaran spoke to reporters after the inauguration of the Pakatan Harapan Office in Putrajaya, which was officiated by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil last night.
Prabakaran stressed that the prime minister’s announcement reaffirmed the unity government’s commitment to addressing community issues and leading efforts to uplift the Indian community, dismissing any allegations suggesting otherwise as entirely false.
Yesterday, Anwar asserted that the Madani government had never sidelined the Indian community in the country, implementing various initiatives to empower them.
Anwar highlighted special assistance given to the Indian community, including an allocation of RM100 million for socio-economic development programmes through Mitra, and another RM30 million channelled under the National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund (Tekun) in Budget 2024.
The allocation through Mitra covers educational programmes, skills training, financial aid for university students from B40 Indian families and career development programmes for Indian entrepreneurs, including those in the agriculture, micro and gig economy sectors.
It also encompasses social and welfare programmes, as well as cultural, language, spiritual development and recreational activities for the B40 Indian community.
The RM30-million allocation under Tekun, meanwhile, is for the provision of the Indian Community Entrepreneur Development Scheme, offering quick and easy micro-financing facilities to Indian entrepreneurs.
Anwar further mentioned other initiatives, such as a special RM50-million fund through Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia to empower Indian women entrepreneurs, and scholarships provided by Petronas for Indian students along with employment opportunities for nearly 1,000 Indian staff, though not widely publicised.
He dismissed claims that the government had neglected the Indian community, attributing such assertions to discontented wealthy individuals attempting to influence the community against the government.
Anwar also mentioned that the government, through the Education Ministry, allocated funds for the maintenance of all types of national schools, including Tamil and Chinese schools. – May 2, 2024