KUALA LUMPUR: The National Unity Ministry has reiterated that the local consulting firm, Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu), functions solely to facilitate workshops and labs aimed at streamlining the direction of the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (Mitra).
Its Minister, Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, also denied claims that Pemandu would oversee the research process for applications, financial assistance, and the allocation of Mitra's funds.
He said Pemandu would also not diminish P. Prabakaran's role as Mitra's special task force committee chairman.
"Pemandu's involvement is only to facilitate workshops and labs that will streamline the ministry's affairs regarding strategic planning and the direction of Mitra to produce its blueprint.
"Furthermore, I refute the claim that Pemandu's participation undermines Prabakaran's authority as chairman of the Mitra special task force committee.
"This is because the chairman has also been involved in two discussions with Pemandu. I always welcome and prioritise the involvement of the chairman in these matters," he said in a statement.
He said the ministry was conducting a study on the direction of the Indian Community adding that a new direction workshop would be held this month and in April.
"Until March 13, only four members of parliament and state assemblymen had filled out this survey form.
"All opinions and suggestions submitted in this survey will be discussed and refined in the workshop. I urge all honourable members to participate in this survey by providing views, suggestions, and ideas regarding Mitra's direction," he said.
Yesterday, Aaron in the Dewan Rakyat had refuted claims that the Pemandu had received an allocation from the government to conduct a workshop.
Aaron said this in response to RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) who asked about claims regarding the allocation given by the government to Pemandu.
Rayer had also enquired the minister whether the claims that Pemandu was given the authority to conduct programmes for Mitra were true.
The Socioeconomic Development of the Indian Community Unit (SEDIC) was renamed Mitra in 2018. It was initially placed under the National Unity Ministry.
The unit was then transferred to the oversight of the Prime Minister's Department in September 2022.
Last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the unit would be placed back under the National Unity Ministry from the Prime Minister's Department.