The Concerned Universiti Malaya Indian Graduates (Cumig) said this will cause delays in the implementation of programmes aimed at uplifting the socio-economic status of the community.
“It is vital for Mitra to be under the jurisdiction of the PMD if the government is serious in addressing the problems of the Indian community as outlined in the Malaysian Indian Blueprint 2017-2030 (MIB),” Cumig spokesperson R Thanasegar said in a letter to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Copies of the letter were also sent to deputy prime ministers Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Fadillah Yusof, as well as opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin.
On Saturday, Anwar said Mitra will be placed back under the national unity ministry. 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.
Thanasegar also said that close monitoring was necessary to ensure the MIB is implemented effectively without leakages. As such, Cumig has also proposed that an advisory board headed by the chief secretary to the government be set up to monitor implementation of the blueprint.
“We propose this board comprises independent professionals, academics and civil servants of calibre from the Indian community to show the serious commitment of the government to uplift the community,” he said in the letter sighted by FMT.
He said moving Mitra to the unity ministry will weaken its operational structure and retard the progress of its implementation. This will give a negative impression of the government’s commitment towards uplifting the socio-economic standing of the Indian community, he added.
“This will mean all proposals will have to go through the minister and its secretary-general before it is brought to the attention of the prime minister.
“As a result, even urgent matters will be delayed because of the additional clearances required,” he said.
On another matter, Cumig called on the government to be transparent in the allocation of the RM50 million under Budget 2024 for Hindu and Buddhist temples, and churches, by specifying the allocation given to each of them.