What’s the plan for unused Mitra funds, asks Kula

 

Kula Segaran wants the government to explain why over RM250 million in allocations had not been utilised for the betterment of the Indian community in recent years.

KUALA LUMPUR: A DAP MP has questioned the government if funds not used from the allocation to the Indian community last year would be added to this year’s budget.

M Kula Segaran (PH-Ipoh Barat) said of the RM100 million allocated to the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) for anti-poverty and social development efforts under Budget 2022, only RM65 million was utilised.

“This means that (almost) RM40 million failed (to be utilised), while the Indian community still needs assistance.

“Will the government channel the funds which have not been used previously to this year?” he asked while debating Budget 2023 in the Dewan Rakyat.

He also urged the government to explain the reason the funds, as well as previous allocations amounting to about RM250 million, had not been utilised for the betterment of the community.

In September, FMT reported that then prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob had acceded to MIC’s request that Mitra be placed under the supervision of the Prime Minister’s Department.

The unit was previously under the jurisdiction of the national unity ministry.

Assuring that the Indian community would not be left behind in development, Ismail said the government had approved various allocations and initiatives for the community, including RM100 million under Mitra for anti-poverty and social development efforts. - FMT