PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit’s (Mitra) special committee has met all the key objectives set out this year, says its chairman, R Ramanan.
In a Bernama report, he said cleaning up Mitra’s image and delivering high-impact programmes for the betterment of the community were the team’s main mission and focus.
Ramanan said for the first time since its inception, Mitra had fully utilised its funds in a transparent, accountable and fruitful manner.
He also said Mitra had moved away from past accusations of mismanagement of funds following an official “low-risk” rating from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for 2023.
Last year, Mitra was investigated by MACC over allegations of misappropriation of funds from 2019 to 2021.
Ramanan said Mitra was officially notified of its “low-risk” status through a letter signed by MACC’s agency integrity management division director Nor Azmi Karim on Nov 22.
“I would like to thank MACC for its cooperation and full support. The status for this year will certainly have a positive impact on this agency,” he said.
The Sungai Buloh MP also hinted someone else may helm Mitra after his recent appointment as deputy entrepreneur and cooperatives development minister.
He expressed hope that whoever is appointed to lead the agency will understand its responsibilities towards the Indian community.
“In 2023, Mitra’s special committee laid out a good and strong framework to handle the agency moving forward for anyone who takes over,” said Ramanan.
“The upliftment and betterment of the B40 Indian community in this country is paramount. Mitra must continue its efforts to empower such initiatives through proper education and high-paying job opportunities to create a community of the future.”
Bernama reported that Mitra organised 201 programmes throughout 2023, which saw RM19,029,325 spent on economic and career programmes, RM5,865,615 for social programmes and RM4,062,145 for human capital (Modal Insan) programmes.
Ramanan also expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for the trust and confidence given to him and members of the committee.
“Anwar has mentioned that all funds should directly be channelled to the final recipients, not through third-party NGOs to prevent abuse and misuse of funds,” he said.
“We feel assured of the agency’s direction as the prime minister has said that he will personally monitor how Mitra’s funds are handled.”
Yesterday, Anwar said Mitra will be placed back under the national unity ministry.
Earlier, it was under the supervision of the Prime Minister’s Department.
Anwar also gave his assurance that he would continue to monitor the special unit, responsible for addressing the socio-economic development issues of the Indian community. - FMT
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