The PKR vice-president said critics are too quick with their baseless attacks, and gave an assurance that together with unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang, they will ensure no political elements or influence are present in Mitra’s policies or decisions to hand out funds.
Saraswathy, the deputy entrepreneur development and cooperatives minister in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s first Cabinet, took the new position vacated in a reshuffle two weeks ago.
Following this, rumours swirled, saying the move was part of a plan to place Mitra under her ministry so that she will be in charge, even as R Ramanan, the PKR MP for Sungai Buloh, was appointed deputy entrepreneur development and cooperatives minister.
Critics claim this was a deliberate move to ensure PKR continues to control Mitra and woo Indian votes.
Saraswathy said Aaron’s appointment shows that the government is transcending race and religion as he is from Gabungan Parti Sarawak.
“Anwar’s government is moving away from dominance by any political party. He wants to see reforms in governance. At Cabinet meetings, he listens to all ministers and issues affecting all races.
“It is baseless to claim that moving Mitra away from the PMD creates more layers of approval for individuals and departments. It’s not about knocking on the prime minister’s door before being heard. He is easily accessible at any time,” she told FMT.
Saraswathy said Anwar’s position as PKR president and hers as a vice-president of the party in government gives her an added advantage with issues facing the community.
She said her critics may be basing their claims on past practices in Mitra, in which decisions could have been politically motivated, leading to problems such as allegations of corruption.
“Mitra is in different hands now, and I can assure you that our only motive is to help uplift the Indian community. There won’t be any leakage and only those deserving will get the funds.
“It will be managed with the people’s interests in mind, not political ownership. No decisions will be based on political interests. The minister and I are there to help all,” she said.