Unity Gov't Urged To Implement Malaysian Indian Blueprint To Tackle Poverty, Employment Issues

BUTTERWORTH, Dec 21 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Indian Blueprint, launched in 2017, should be fully implemented by the Unity Government to address pressing issues such as urban poverty, education, and employment opportunities within the Indian community, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

In his speech at Parti Makkal Sakti 17th Annual General Assembly, Ahmad Zahid assured that Minister of Human Resources Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, currently responsible for Indian community affairs, would engage with communities across the nation, regardless of political affiliation, to make the plan a reality.

"As the Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, I strongly urge the Unity Government to fully implement this action plan. If there is insufficient funding, I will personally speak with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to ensure the necessary allocation," he said, receiving enthusiastic applause from delegates.

Also present were BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and Makkal Sakti president Datuk Seri RS Thanenthiran.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, highlighted that the focus of the action plan would be on tackling urban poverty, which has become an increasingly urgent issue, especially within the Indian community. He also stressed the need to expand access to education and skills training to address these challenges.

“Urban poverty today is more severe than rural poverty and must be addressed immediately. We must be ‘colour blind’ when it comes to combating poverty, ensuring that help reaches all, regardless of race or background,” he added.

He further emphasised the role of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in providing solutions to unemployment and educational dropout rates, especially among Indian youth.

Ahmad Zahid reassured that opportunities for TVET programmes, including training abroad, would continue to be made available to enhance skills and employability.

He also committed to ensuring strict monitoring of the blueprint's implementation, ensuring that no community is left behind in the country’s development.

Earlier, Thanenthiran urged the government to reconsider the full implementation of the Malaysian Indian Blueprint, which was first launched by former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in 2017 but has yet to be realised.

-- BERNAMA