Make Mitra a statutory body, Klang MP tells govt

 

Klang MP V Ganabatirau (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Klang MP V Ganabatirau has proposed that the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) be made a statutory body to enhance its credibility and transparency.

Ganabatirau said as a statutory body, the unit would report to a Mitra board and the prime minister directly.

“Making Mitra a statutory body would enhance its credibility and transparency in administering the allocations given to it, considering that financial reports would need to be presented to the Cabinet and subsequently tabled in Parliament.

“All of Mitra’s operations would be monitored by this board, which would comprise top leaders from the Indian community,” he said in a Facebook post.

Last week, it was reported that Mitra would be placed back under the national unity ministry.

It was previously under the supervision of the Prime Minister’s Department (JPM).

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim assured that he would continue to monitor the special unit responsible for addressing the socio-economic development issues of the Indian community, Bernama reported.

The move nevertheless drew concern from the community, including the Indian alumni of a local university which said it would unnecessarily subject matters to additional layers of approval before they finally reach the prime minister’s attention.

The Concerned Universiti Malaya Indian Graduates told FMT that it would cause delays in the implementation of programmes aimed at uplifting the socio-economic status of the community.

Ganabatirau drew a comparison between Mitra and the Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit (Teraju), which falls under the purview of JPM and is aimed at enhancing the socio-economic status of the Bumiputeras.

“What is the difference then between Teraju and Mitra, when both agencies aim to uplift the socio-economic status of their respective communities? Should we place Teraju under the national unity ministry?” he said.

He voiced hope that Anwar would give due consideration to his proposal to ensure that Mitra achieves its objectives, adding that the support from the Indian community should not be overlooked. - FMT