Dispute over Indian allocation must stop, says Ramanan
KUALA LUMPUR: The actions of individuals questioning the allocation of RM130 million to the Indian community through the recent 2025 Budget must cease immediately.
According to Sinar Harian, the Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan, expressed concern that such actions could negatively influence the Indian community.
“I would prefer not to discuss this, but I think it’s important to address it. If we look at Budget 2025, there are a few individuals, a very small group, but I don’t want the Indian community to be affected.
“They claim that only RM130 million is allocated for the Indian community. The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has repeatedly said, ‘I don’t want to divide communities. Community A gets this much, community B gets that much, C gets this. No.’
“So, if we see them saying that only RM130 million is for the Indian community, does that mean the RM2 billion allocated for health is not for the Indian community? Are they implying that Indians will not benefit from it?” he said.
He added that the allocations provided by the government encompass all groups and segments of society, including various schemes offered.
“This allocation is for everyone. There are many options available. For instance, there’s a micro-entrepreneur scheme that isn’t under the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP).
“This scheme has RM300 million allocated. Does that mean the Indian community cannot apply for it? So, let’s not twist the facts or belittle what has already been announced.
“There are plenty of opportunities available. For example, the BRIEF-i initiative; if we look at the 2023 budget, there was no BRIEF-i of RM50 million. Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) had no allocation of RM50 million in the budget. So, if one is to make a statement, they should be careful and precise,” he emphasized.
He made these comments in response to statements made by the Deputy Chief of the Associated Group, Datuk Seri Sanjeevan, regarding the allocation for the Indian community.
Earlier, the media reported that Sanjeevan claimed that although the 2025 Budget allocated RM421 billion—a 3.3 percent increase from RM407.5 billion the previous year—there are still those who are dissatisfied.
According to him, this includes the Indian community, which is the third-largest community in the country, as the allocation is considered to be only RM130 million.
On Friday, Anwar announced an allocation of RM130 million to implement various programs, including business financing for the Indian community.