Unity ministry threatens to cut off Mitra funding

 

Deputy unity minister K Saraswathy said the ministry will monitor all aspects of Mitra’s progress. (Bernama pic)

PUTRAJAYA: Recipients of financial grants from the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) must implement approved programmes within the stipulated period to avoid funds from being withdrawn, deputy unity minister K Saraswathy said.

She said the grant applications and fund disbursements for 2023 have been fully approved, and various programmes have been planned for this year.

“We will monitor all aspects of their progress. They need to implement them as stipulated, otherwise, there is a possibility that the funds will be withdrawn,” she said after the Ponggal celebration at the Devi Sri Lalitambigai Devasthanam temple here today.

Saraswathy said to chart Mitra’s future direction, extensive discussions will be held with experts and stakeholders soon for feedback on the types of programmes that can have a transformative impact on the Indian community.

This is to ensure they do not overlap with programmes sponsored by other ministries and government agencies.

Earlier, in her speech, Saraswathy said the construction of the temple has been stalled since 2015 because of funding issues, and is now subject to review by the unity ministry.

“Previously, I had discussions with the temple committee to find out the original construction plan and estimated expenditure, which came up to RM14 million, which is high, and we will review it in terms of cost savings,” she said. - FMT