This win, a recognition for the Indians, a reflection of people’s trust, says PKR’s Ramanan

The newly minted PKR vice president, Datuk Seri R Ramanan viewed his appointment as a recognition for the Indian community.

“My appointment is a recognition to the Indians in this party since there was no representative as vice presidents from Indian community.

“This proves that this party takes care and is attentive to the welfare and uplifting of the Indian community,” he said in his winding up speech at PKR Congress that is held in Johor.

He also said that his win as vice president is not a personal victory but a reflection of the people’s trust.

He also listed the initiatives introduced especially for the Indians by the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Business initiatives for the Indians under Anwar

There were five initiatives for the Indian community:

SPUMI Goes Big via Tekun Nasional that received an additional allocation of RM30 million.

Prosperity Empowerment and A New Normal for Indian Women (PENN) via Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia with an allocation of RM50 million.

Bank Rakyat Indian Entrepreneur Financing-i (BRIEF-i) via Bank Rakyat with a RM50 million allocation.

Business Accelerator for Indian owned companies, better known as (I-BAP) through SME Corp provides business matching grant worth RM6 million.

In total RM136 million have been allocated to boost Indian entrepreneurs.

The government also increased the BRIEF-I allocation to RM100 million this year.

In addition to that, the government also allocated RM50 million via SME Bank for the newly announced Vanigham Funding Scheme that would assist Indian entrepreneurs to expand their business.

Despite all of the above, there were still claims that the Madani government sidelined the Indians.

Hence he called upon party members to win the narrative and perception battle on social media as PKR prepares for the 16th general election.

“I am confident that with the right strategy and coordinated work, we can regain (the narrative and battle) on social media that would bring usher Pakatan Harapan in to the 16th general election and Anwar as the prime minister for his term in office.

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