KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) should remain under the purview of the Prime Minister's Department (PMD), the People's Progressive Party (MyPPP) said.
Its national youth chief Sathiah Sudakaran said that the possible move to place Mitra back under the Unity Ministry will only create uneasiness among the Indian community after a series of issues of late under the new Madani government.
"MyPPP National Youth hopes that the Prime Minister will reconsider his decision or else it may lead to negative consequences and the trust given by the Indian community will further decrease.
"Mitra should and must always be under the PMD to continue to encourage the Indian community's participation towards creating a sustainable economic reformation with fair, equitable and inclusive economic distribution with involvement by various community stakeholders and party leaders."
He said the placement of Mitra under the PMD will further enhance its role under the involvement of a special independent consultative council with members from different strengths and backgrounds without any political interference.
Sathiah also said if Mitra is placed under a ministry, the agency might be controlled by an individual, leading to biased funds distribution favouring specific groups.
"I also humbly request the PMD to scrutinise the selection and distribution of funds with utmost transparency besides ensuring the programmes and activities benefit all the targeted beneficiaries, especially from the B40 and M40 groups.
"This is besides preparing a platform that could enhance the participation of the T20 group as well as in striving for the nation's economy and social welfare as a whole," he said in a statement.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in a dialogue session with editors-in-chief and senior editors of the electronic, print and online media said Mitra will be placed back under the Unity Ministry, moved from the PMD.
However, the Prime Minister assured that he would continue to monitor the special unit responsible for addressing the socio-economic development issues of the Indian community in the country.