MIC’s lawmaker joins call to revive MIB under 13MP

MIC’s sole MP, Datuk M Saravanan (BN-Tapah) has joined the bandwagon in calling for the Malaysian Indian Blueprint (MIB) to be revived under 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to resolve the socio-economic challenges faced by the Indian community.

He also views the 13MP, from 2026 to 2030, as a comprehensive compass for the community that can focus on 4E key issues – education, employment, economic development, youth empowerment.

“The government must prioritise the Indian community’s needs, especially in addressing long-standing socio-economic disparities. Reviving the MIB is crucial to provide effective solutions and a clear path forward,” Saravanan said, FMT reported.

MIB was formulated in 2017 during the administration of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak but it was not implemented.

A coalition of Indian NGOs and opposition Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) have also made similar calls previously.

In addition to that, the MIC number two said that his party would be submitting an eight-thrust agenda to the government, which includes proposals to improve university intake, preschool education, women’s empowerment, religion, economic opportunities, and programmes to address community-specific issues.

New innovative, targeted solutions necessary

Specific programmes must be created to tackle social issues within the community, and the 13MP presents a critical opportunity for transformative change, he said.

“We cannot rely on conventional methods anymore. The government needs to adopt innovative and targeted solutions to address the challenges faced by the Indian community. This requires commitment and a strategic approach,” he said.

The 13MP will be tabled in 2025.

Saravanan also highlighted the need for the nation to prepare for its transition into an ageing nation in the next six years.

He also stressed that young Malaysians must be equipped with future-ready skills to thrive in an increasingly competitive job market.

“The youth need to build resilient skills, particularly in emerging fields like artificial intelligence and robotics under the Industrial Revolution 4.0.

“Employers today are looking for applicants who are proficient in both technical and soft skills,” he said.

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