BUTTERWORTH, Dec 21 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on the Unity Government to reactivate the 2017 Indian Community Action Plan as a national framework to address socio-economic challenges faced by the Indian community, particularly urban poverty, education access and employment opportunities.
He said the plan contained structured strategies to uplift the Indian community but was never fully executed, making it crucial for the current government to revive and strengthen its implementation.
Ahmad Zahid said Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan would be tasked to engage communities nationwide to ensure the plan is carried out inclusively, without political discrimination.
He added that as BN chairman, he supports the full execution of the plan and is prepared to recommend additional financial allocations to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim if needed.
Addressing delegates at the Malaysian Makkal Sakti Party AGM, Ahmad Zahid warned that urban poverty among the Indian community is increasingly alarming and requires immediate policy response.
He underscored the need to approach poverty beyond racial boundaries, stressing compassion and fairness in addressing economic hardship.
Furthermore, Ahmad Zahid highlighted TVET as an important pathway to empowering Indian youths with skills and employability, assuring that more opportunities and even overseas training exposure would be offered.
He also pledged close monitoring to ensure effective implementation and equitable benefits.
The call echoed earlier remarks by Makkal Sakti president Datuk Seri RS Thanenthiran, who urged the government to reconsider the 2017 action plan that could not be fully rolled out previously.
