Bersatu Man Smells Plot To Kill Mitra Amid Clashing Approval Figures

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Bersatu associate wing member Suthan Mookiah believes the conflicting figures surrounding the approval of programmes under the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) point to a “plot to kill” the initiative established for the community’s development and welfare.
“Just be honest - is Mitra going to be dissolved?” he asked in a statement to Malaysiakini.
Suthan demanded that the government clarify the conflicting figures, pointing out that the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) had stated only 16 high-impact programmes were approved while Mitra had earlier claimed the number was 45.
“The PMO says only 16 programmes were approved because the others overlapped with different ministries. I want to ask - since when did ministries have special programmes specifically for the Indian community?
ADS“This confusing statement about the number of approved programmes under Mitra shows that the special unit, which was established for the development and welfare of the Indian community, is now in trouble.
“This isn’t about audits or overlaps. Like I said, this is a plot to ‘kill’ Mitra,” he added.
16 programmes approved
On July 30, the PMO announced that 16 programmes had been approved for the benefit of the Indian community up until July 2025, focusing on three key areas - education and training, spirituality and culture, and social well-being.
However, the press statement did not mention the amount of financial allocation or the detailed status of each approved programme.
The PMO also explained that some applications could not be approved due to overlaps, especially those related to technical and vocational education and training (TVET), which falls under the jurisdiction of the National TVET Council.
Additionally, several other proposed programmes were reportedly rejected due to overlap with existing initiatives under various ministries, including the Youth and Sports Ministry, the Health Ministry, and the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry.
However, Mitra had previously confirmed 45 programme proposals had been endorsed in the first phase and submitted to the PMO for consideration.
It is understood that these programmes were valued at RM40 million under Phase 1 of Budget 2025, aimed at supporting underprivileged Indian communities.
Yesterday, Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister R Ramanan told Parliament that Mitra had received approval to implement three programmes under the Socioeconomic Development Programme for the Indian Community (PPSMI), with a total allocation of RM21.25 million.
Among them is the Private Kindergarten Early Education Subsidy Assistance Programme worth RM10.514 million, which will benefit 4,700 Indian children.
Additionally, RM10 million has been allocated for a Dialysis Subsidy Assistance Programme that will help 2,000 Indian kidney patients receive regular treatment.
ADSRamanan, who oversees Indian community affairs, stated that applications are screened by the Prime Minister’s Department’s monitoring, finance, and integrity divisions. 
“Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim personally monitors all planning to ensure a transparent delivery system for the Indian community, particularly the B40 group,“ he added.
Elements of sabotage
Suthan questioned whether there were elements of sabotage against Mitra.
Bersatu associate wing member Suthan Mookiah“Previously, Mitra said 45 programmes were approved. The day before yesterday, the PMO said 16 were approved, and now Ramanan says three.
“So who is actually sabotaging Mitra? I’ve said it before - not a single sen will be disbursed by Mitra.
“This is what’s happening. All we’re getting are press statements and flimsy excuses from them. Who’s pulling the strings behind the scenes?” he asked.
Malaysiakini has contacted the PMO, Mitra and Ramanan for comment.
Previously, Malaysiakini reported that two internal sources as claiming that Mitra was not briefed beforehand, leaving its officers blindsided by the PMO announcement. - Mkini

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