NATIONAL Unity Minister Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang has refuted allegations suggesting that the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) controls funding for the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA).
Aaron clarified that the fees for Pemandu’s services are drawn from the national unity ministry’s operational budget, following financial protocols outlined in a Malaysian Treasury circular.
“I also want to refute claims that Pemandu will oversee the process for applications, financial aid, and distribution of MITRA’s funding. Pemandu’s role is strictly limited to conducting workshops and labs to facilitate strategic planning for MITRA and its blueprint.”
Moreover, he also emphasised that P Prabakaran’s position as chairman of the MITRA special task force remains unchanged, underscoring Prabakaran’s active involvement in discussions with Pemandu.
“This is because he has been actively engaged in two discussions with Pemandu. I always value their involvement in these matters,” he said to Jelutong MP RSN Rayer, who asked about a report by The Star which claimed that Pemandu was given the authority to conduct programmes on MITRA’s behalf.
Furthermore, Aaron addressed assertions suggesting that Pemandu had received RM500,000 from the government dismissing them as false.
Regarding concerns about the direction of the Indian community, Aaron announced Pemandu’s plan to host a workshop the following week as part of a survey aimed at empowering MITRA, encouraging all ethnic Indian MPs to participate.
Originally under the purview of the National Unity Ministry, MITRA was transferred to the Prime Minister’s Department in September 2022. However, in December of the same year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced MITRA’s return to the National Unity Ministry. – March 14, 2024
Main photo credit: Bernama
