KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17: As Malaysia prepares for the announcement of the national budget on Friday, Oct 18, Gabungan NGO NGO Masyarakat India (I.25) a coalition of 22 Indian non governmental organisations has urged the government to allocate sufficient funds for the socio-economic upliftment of the Indian community.
Pointing out that the recent launch of the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA35) as a commendable effort by the Government to address Bumiputera economic disparities, it said this signalled that the government was committed to tackling inequality issues.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the coalition said that while several initiatives have been introduced for the Indian community since the government took office in October 2023, the need was still there for a comprehensive plan to transform the Indian community.
“Fortunately, a framework already exists in the form of the Malaysian Indian Blueprint (MIB), introduced in 2017. The MIB was designed to uplift the socio-economic position of the Indian community, but since the change in government in 2018, it has been sidelined with no new plan developed.
“Thus it is both timely and essential for the government to establish a Transformation Action Plan for the Indian community. Rather than creating a new plan from scratch, the government can revitalize and adapt the Malaysian Indian Blueprint (MIB), ensuring that no community is left behind in Malaysia’s journey toward economic equity and shared prosperity.
“The Indian community faces several socio-economic challenges including high poverty rates, underrepresentation in skilled sectors, and limited access to economic ownership. The MIB provides a structured approach to addressing these challenges, and adequate budget allocations would allow the following key areas to be strengthened, ” the statement signed by the coalition’s co-ordinator SP Nathan said.
The coalition highlighted the following areas for allocation in the Budget:
“Economic Participation and Employment: The MIB emphasizes increasing Indian representation in high-skilled sectors such as technology, engineering, and finance. Budgetary support is needed to expand vocational training, education, and professional development opportunities, enabling Indians to enter modern, high-growth industries.
“Ownership and Economic Control: To foster economic ownership within the Indian community, budget allocations should focus on empowering Indian entrepreneurs by providing greater access to government-linked companies (GLCs), government-backed investments, and business development programs.
Poverty Eradication: Many Indians, particularly those in rural and plantation-based communities, continue to live in poverty. Expanding MIB initiatives through housing programs, financial safety nets, and micro-enterprise support would help alleviate poverty among Indian families, in line with the Government,s poverty eradication goals for the marginalised.
Inclusive Growth: The MIB can act as a vital mechanism for ensuring that the Indian community benefits from national economic growth. Aligning the MIB with national development strategies such as the Madani Economy and the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda would help promote truly inclusive growth for all Malaysians.
The statement further said that the national budget offered a key opportunity for the government to reaffirm its commitment to economic inclusivity and equity.
“By allocating sufficient resources to revitalize and expand the Malaysian Indian Blueprint, the government can ensure that the Indian community is not left behind. This will create a more equitable, prosperous, and harmonious Malaysia, where every community has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the nation’s economic future.”
–WE