Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Saraswathy Kandasami refuted claims that the Indian community was neglected in Budget 2024.
She described the allegations as coming from quarters who do not have adequate knowledge about the budget.
“The tabling of (next year’s) budget cannot be viewed only based on initiatives (given) specifically to the Indian community.
“It needs to be seen as a whole,” she told reporters in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Saraswathy, who is also a PKR vice-president, said this after the official launch of her service centre, which was officiated by the party’s former president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Earlier, several NGOs and activists from the Indian community expressed disappointment after claiming Budget 2024, which was tabled by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Friday, neglected the community.
When contacted, Pertubuhan Rapay Aman Malaysia chairperson A Rajaretinam said the budget is proof that Anwar is “only good at sweet talking”.
“Anwar, who spoke about Indians’ sufferings in all his ceramah since 1998, did not match his words with action after assuming the prime ministerial position.
“One glaring example is that the allocation for Tamil schools in this budget was not spelt out clearly, whereas (former prime minister) Najib (Razak) was honest to spell out clearly that a RM100 million allocation was for Tamil schools.
“Looking at this situation, Najib looked more sincere to the Malaysian Indian community,” Rajaretinam said.
Aside from the allocation for the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (Mitra) of RM100 million, which was not increased, he said that the 16th general election will be a “different scenario for Pakatan Harapan” if the Madani government continues to neglect the Indian community.
He added that the NGOs and Indian community, at large, have lost faith in Anwar and the Harapan leadership.
‘Initiatives for all races’
The budget tabled by Anwar allocated RM100 million to Mitra and RM30 million under the National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund (Tekun) specifically for Indian businesses.
However, Saraswathy explained the Indian community will also benefit from other initiatives.
“For example, Budget 2024 allocates RM44 billion to the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry under various initiatives and programmes.
“It is not only for certain races but for all Malaysians who deserve it.
“The other ministries also play the same role – that the initiatives and programmes announced are for all races,” she said. - Mkini
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