90% have paid Tekun loans, says Devamany

ABOUT 90% of people who took Tekun loans have been repaying their loans promptly over the past four years, Perak state Speaker Datuk S.K. Devamany said.

“Only about 10% have yet to start repaying their loan instalments,” Tamil Nesan quoted him as saying.

Devamany, who called upon the businessmen to settle their loans promptly, said Tekun was originally started for the Malays but Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had allocated RM12mil in 2009 to help Indian businessmen become successful.

He was speaking to reporters after opening a business seminar for Indian businessmen organised by Tekun Nasional in Sungai Siput on Monday.

He said Indian businessmen must understand that it was their duty to repay loans. He said those facing problems should approach the Tekun officials for their advice.

He said more Indian businessmen would be able to get Tekun loans if all borrowers settled their loans promptly.

> The newspaper also reported that wellknown South Indian actor Kamal Haasan will be honoured with the lifetime achievement award at the 15th Mumbai Film Festival to be held in the city next month.

The Mumbai Academy of Moving Images (MAMI) festival will present this award to the filmmaker-actor for his immense contributions to cinematic excellence.

The week-long fest will showcase 200 films from over 65 countries.

The other highlights of the festival will be the celebration of Spanish cinema, spotlight on Cambodian cinema, sixth rendezvous with French Cinema, Kabul Fresh, the new voices in Afghan cinema, besides experimental and classic films from around the world.

Among the 200 films of all categories to be shown during the festival are The Rocket, The Face of Love, Barefoot to Goa, Mohan Kaka, Red Monsoon and Good Morning Karachi.

This year’s international jury will be presided by director Bruce Beresford, assisted by French actress Nathalie Baye, Japanese filmmaker Masato Harada, actress Konkana Sen Sharma and director Deepa Mehta.