Sources Pmo Approved 16 Mitra Initiatives Without Notifying Agency

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The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)’s announcement of 16 so-called high-impact programmes under the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) has sparked confusion, with Mitra itself caught off guard.
According to two internal sources who spoke to Malaysiakini on condition of anonymity, Mitra was not briefed beforehand, leaving its officers blindsided by the news.
“Just like everyone else, we only found out about it through the PMO’s media statement.
“We ourselves don’t know what the 16 programmes are, when they were approved, or how much funding has been allocated,” said one source who was involved in Mitra’s programme recommendation process before it was submitted to the PMO.
ADSEarlier today, the PMO announced that 16 programmes had been approved for the benefit of the Indian community up to July 2025, with a focus on three key areas - education and training, spirituality and culture, and social wellbeing.
However, the media statement did not mention the amount of financial allocation or provide detailed statuses for each approved programme.
The PMO also explained that several applications could not be approved due to overlaps, particularly those related to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes, which fall under the jurisdiction of the National TVET Council.
“In addition, several other proposed programmes could not be approved due to overlaps with existing initiatives under several ministries, including the Youth and Sports Ministry, the Health Ministry, and the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry.
“Therefore, coordination is necessary to avoid duplication of roles and use of resources,” the PMO added.
Public confidence
Another Mitra insider echoed concerns over the “surprise announcement”, warning that it risks undermining public confidence in the agency’s credibility and role.
“We're sure many will ask why Mitra only got approval for 16 programmes when it had supported 45 programmes with an estimated RM40 million in funding. That’s what we don’t understand.
“The evaluation process consists of three stages, as outlined in the Socioeconomic Development Grant Programme for the Malaysian Indian community management guidelines.
“These three stages are ‘section screening’, endorsement by the Mitra working committee and Mitra steering committee under the Prime Minister’s Department, and finally, approval by the prime minister.
“This evaluation process follows guidelines provided by the PMO itself. Mitra endorsed 45 programmes based on these guidelines. So, we don’t understand how overlaps could have occurred,” the source added.
New direction
ADSContacted by Malaysiakini, Mitra chairperson P Prabakaran expressed support for the prime minister’s decision and stated the agency’s commitment to continued collaboration with the PMO.
Mitra chairperson P Prabakaran“Mitra welcomes and thanks the PM for the approval of these 16 programmes. We believe it is good that the PM has given us a new direction for Mitra’s future.
“We will continue to work with the PMO. And after receiving the full details regarding the approval of the 16 programmes, we will share them with the media,” he said.
Malaysiakini has contacted the PMO for further response.
Previously, Mitra confirmed that a total of 45 programme proposals were 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 and were aimed at supporting the underprivileged Indian community. - Mkini

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