Malaysian Indian leaders laud ‘much-needed’ blueprint
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Indian Blueprint (MIB) is a plan that is much-needed to uplift the Indian community in Malaysia, especially the youth and those in the lower-income group.
Malaysia’s Special Envoy to India and South Asia on Infrastructure Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said the blueprint would empower the Indian community to reach greater heights, which would benefit the nation.
“This is a very good plan initiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak as it details specifics that will help set up the future of Malaysian Indians.
“Najib strives to give the best to all Malaysians. I’m sure we will see greater growth in the years to come,” said the former MIC president here yesterday.
Malaysian Punjabi Chambers of Commerce and Industries president Datuk Seri Daljit Singh Dalliwal said it was a timely move by the Barisan Nasional-led government to launch MIB.
“It’s good for the Malaysian Indian community because the young generation needs this boost.”
MyPPP president Tan Sri M. Kayveas said implementation was key in ensuring the success of MIB.
“We will fully support this blueprint. We will provide our constructive input once we have gone through the details of the MIB,” he said.
“We must thank the prime minister for taking an extra initiative targeted at the Indian community as a whole, not just one group. It is time to get this done.”
Deputy Education Minister Datuk P. Kamalanathan views MIB as a holistic plan, covering various sectors for the betterment of the community.
Kamalanathan said this showed the government’s commitment to the development of the Indian community, especially in boosting the education sector.
MIC treasurer-general Datuk Seri S. Vell Paari said the BN government had proven to be inclusive with the MIB.
“The shift that the government has now is to have a focused strategy and tackle each issue at hand without ignoring it.
“It’s an issue-based approach rather than having a general solution for all.
“The prime minister and the government have recognised that for this country to prosper, nobody must be left behind, and that is what they are doing.
“Najib has laid a solid foundation for the Indian community, where those replacing him in the future cannot claim that they are instrumental in empowering the Indian community because they will only be enhancing the foundation that he has established.”
Secretariat for Empowerment of Indian Entrepreneurs chief executive officer Datuk Dr A.T. Kumararajah described MIB as a dynamic document that captured the voices of the community.
“The Bottom 40 group has been left out and this blueprint has detailed plans to boost the socio-economic status of the group.”