KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 — The Youth Wing of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has called for an urgent reform of the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA).

In a statement issued today, its national youth chief, Sathiah Sudakaran, said that despite receiving significant allocations over the years, MITRA’s effectiveness has been undermined by frequent leadership changes, excessive bureaucracy, weak strategic planning, and the absence of a coherent long-term vision. As a result, funds are too often delayed, mismanaged, or fail to reach the grassroots as intended.

MITRA, a government agency under the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), was established to plan, coordinate, and implement targeted programmes for the upliftment of the Indian community — especially those in the B40 group.

Recently, the party president, Dato’ Dr Loga Bala Mohan, at the PPP Selangor State Convention held on August 10, has voiced a firm and principled stand in urging to address the longstanding shortcomings of MITRA and its failure to deliver tangible socio-economic improvements for the Indian community, thus its party youth wing is echoing the clarion call made by its leader.

“Equally concerning is the practice of certain ministries using MITRA as an “emergency fund” for ad-hoc issues, instead of maintaining its role as a structured, long-term development agency.

“This misuse undermines its credibility and weakens its ability to deliver sustained, impactful results,” said Sathiah.

PPP Youth is particularly troubled by the recent announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to approve only 16 programmes under MITRA.

This abrupt decision has disrupted nearly eight months of planning and has left many community organisations that had invested considerable time, resources, and effort deeply disheartened.

The party also noted and welcomed the remarks made by Klang Member of Parliament V Ganabatirau yesterday in Parliament, whose concerns mirror those of their President, Dato Loga Bala Mohan, highlighting the lack of planning, excessive bureaucracy, and ineffective fund distribution within MITRA.

Sathiah Sudakaran National Youth Chief People’s Progressive Party (PPP)

PPP Youth call on the government to:

1. Review and strengthen MITRA’s governance framework to ensure continuity, consistency, and independence in leadership and policy execution.
2. Implement clear, long-term strategic plans with measurable outcomes to guide its programmes.
3. Guarantee timely and equitable distribution of funds to grassroots beneficiaries without unnecessary bureaucratic delays.
4. Enhance engagement with community-based organisations and stakeholders to design and implement truly impactful programmes.

“The Indian community deserves a better MITRA that is transparent, professional, and results-oriented, led by competent, non-partisan individuals dedicated to genuine community upliftment.

“PPP Youth will continue to stand with our President in pushing for urgent reforms to ensure MITRA fulfils its mandate as a credible and effective instrument of the Prime Minister’s Office.”