What is in Budget 2025 for Indians?

Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI) deputy president Datuk Dr AT Kumararajah revealed that MAICCI is focused on gaining allocations in four major domains for the Indians through Budget 2025, bearing in mind that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim favors needs based instead of race based allocation.

The four domains – economy, education, employment or strategic interest and other socio economic indicators.

“For education, the total amount asked is RM500 million on 17 specific initiatives. RM235 million out of RM500 million is on education.

“Out of 235 million, RM185 million is specifically for Tamil schools.

“For Tamil schools 110 million is for operation expenditure, RM50 million for capital expenditure and RM25 million for preschools.”

Kumararajah explained the breakdown of allocation in the Sana Sini podcast that went on live on Saturday. The programme was co-hosted by Senator Datuk C Sivaraj and Professor Datuk Dr P Sivamurugan.

An additional RM50 million for education is meant exclusively for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) as announced by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi during the recent MIC annual general meeting. The total allocation for TVET is RM6.8 billion.

In terms of economic stimulus package, there would be RM160 million. Of this amount RM60 million would be parked in TEKUN. The amount will be split under SPUMI and SPUMI Goes Big. SPUMI refers to the Indian Community Entrepreneur Development Scheme.

There would also be RM50 million via Amanah Ikhtiar’s Indian Women Empowerment Fund (PENN) and another RM50 million for SME financing.

“We have always proposed that RM50 million for microfinancing be placed under MSE Bank.

For socioeconomic development, an allocation of RM105 million have been requested. This is aside from the annual allocation that MITRA is receiving, he said.

“The idea is for 3,000 women and 3,000 youth. The two gets RM30 million each. Another RM40 million is for youth at risk.

This involves one of the 17 initiatives and strategic interests.

“Strategic interest will be like employment in both private and government sectors.”

Kumararajah also pointed out that the Indian community need access for trading since the business activities are not limited to what one sees in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur.

“PM went to India. He need not give the opportunities for Indian companies only, but Indian companies have a better advantage because of cultural connections that we have.

“Those who are doing well in that areas must be given access.”

Anwar led a delegation to India on Aug 19 for a three day official visit.

Kumararajah pointed out that there is a need for the government to set up minimum areas.

“It is not always about quota, privilege or setting aside for us. It is also about setting minimum areas. Ring fence an amount. MIDF used to do that very well.

“Once they ring fence that amount, at least there is that pool you can go back to.”

Anwar would be tabling the budget in the most positive atmosphere as the Ringgit has strengthened and a rise in the gross domestic product.

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