SEREMBAN: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he will take charge of overseeing issues affecting the Indian community from now on.
Anwar said his direct involvement came after receiving numerous appeals and complaints from the Indian community regarding the challenges they faced.
However, he said human resources minister R Ramanan, whose ministry oversees the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra), will continue to carry out duties and programmes approved by the government.
“Previously, I had asked Ramanan to look after these matters, but from now on, not only Mitra, but all issues involving the Indian community will be taken over and monitored by me personally,” he said at a dinner programme with the community here tonight.
“Ramanan will, of course, continue to carry out the tasks and programmes that have been decided, but I will personally ensure that issues affecting the community are given due attention.”
Anwar also said this move would strengthen coordination of policies involving the community, including financing through Tekun Nasional, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, financing guarantee schemes, and other economic development and welfare programmes.
He urged the community to assess the unity government based on its track record and initiatives implemented, rather than perceptions or claims made by certain parties.
Anwar also apologised for previously using the term “kuil haram” (illegal temples) when discussing the issue, saying that he accepted the mistake.
“Since I became prime minister, I have never demolished even one old temple. None. There are regulations.
“So, if I said that a temple was illegal, I have to apologise. That was a technical mistake. I accept the mistake,” he said.
