Former national unity minister P Waytha Moorthy pointed out that Anwar, who is also PKR president, led a party where about 40% of its members were Indians.

“The prime minister has on many occasions committed himself to helping all races and openly admitted that the Indians are the most marginalised community in Malaysia.

“I am hopeful and place my trust in the prime minister to take the lead in showing that the issues of the minority are best protected by the majority,” the Malaysian Advancement Party (MAP) president said in a statement.

Mitra, aimed at addressing the socio-economic development of the Indian community in Malaysia, was placed under the supervision of the Prime Minister’s Department in September following a request by MIC. The unit was previously under the jurisdiction of the national unity ministry.

Last year, Mitra was investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission over allegations of misappropriation of funds from 2019 to 2021.

Anwar had previously called for forensic audits to be conducted on Mitra as well as on MIC’s education arm, the Maju Institute of Educational Development (MIED) and the party’s investment company, Maika Holdings.

He claimed that government funds meant for the Indian community had been misappropriated by these three organisations.

Waytha said he also hoped that Anwar would revisit all the commitments made to the Indian community in Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto for the 14th general election in 2018, especially the RM100 million allocation to increase the equity, education and employment prospects of Indians.

“Indians are now hopeful and looking forward to a permanent and comprehensive solution to their problems,” he said.