Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA) will continue to serve as the primary agency overseeing the socioeconomic development of the Indian community through targeted intervention programmes. Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Datuk Seri R. Ramanan emphasized that the disbursement of MITRA funds through other implementing agencies does not represent a deviation from its mandate but is part of an inter-agency cooperation mechanism approved by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiatives approved by the Prime Minister are interventions designed to address issues requiring cross-ministerial action, including matters related to education, welfare, spiritual wellbeing, and basic infrastructure for the Indian community. Ramanan stated that the approach is intended to ensure that MITRA’s allocations reach the intended beneficiaries directly, rather than being confined to selected organisations or individuals. He made these remarks while winding up the 2026 Supply Bill debate in the Dewan Negara today.

Ramanan asserted that 100 per cent of MITRA’s funds are channelled for the benefit of the Indian community, with no portion used for any ministerial programme that does not benefit the community. He also highlighted that development funding for the Indian community is not limited to the RM100 million allocated to MITRA. This funding also includes allocations channelled through various ministries and agencies that benefit all Malaysians.

These include the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry, the Education Ministry, the Human Resources Ministry, the Housing and Local Government Ministry, as well as other development programme bodies.