PUTRAJAYA, Jan 19 — Recipients of financial grants from the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) must implement approved programmes within the stipulated period to avoid funds from being withdrawn, said Deputy Unity Minister K. Saraswathy.
The grant applications and fund disbursements for 2023 have been fully approved, and various programmes have been planned for this year.
“We will monitor all aspects of their progress. They need to implement them as stipulated; otherwise, there is a possibility the funds will be withdrawn,” she said to the press after the Ponggal celebration at the Devi Sri Lalitambigai Devasthanam temple grounds today.
To chart Mitra’s future direction, extensive discussions will be held with experts and stakeholders soon for feedback on the types of programmes which can have a transformative impact on the Indian community.
This is to ensure they do not overlap with programmes sponsored by other ministries and government agencies.
Earlier in her speech, Saraswathy said the construction of the Devi Sri Lalitambigai Devasthanam temple has been stalled since 2015 due to funding issues, and the Unity Ministry will review costing and related issues.
“Previously, I had discussions with the temple committee to find out the original construction plan and estimated expenditure, which came up to RM14 million, which is high, and we will review it in terms of cost savings,” she said.
The Ponggal celebration, organised by the Putrajaya Indian Civil Servants Association (Imayam), was attended by over 100 civil servants, including Youth and Sports Ministry secretary-general K. Nagulendran.
— Bernama
