DEPUTY Entrepreneur Development and Co-operatives Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan has rebuked critics of the government's decision to provide RM100 to every registered Malaysian aged 18 and above, urging them to stop insulting the poor.
He emphasised that the aid, although modest to some, is vital to many Malaysians grappling with the rising cost of living.
"If you do not need RM100, do not fret about it. There are others who need it. Families may need RM200 (husband and wife) or more if they have teenage children," he said.
He added that the poor are grateful for every bit of assistance, noting that even measures like reducing electricity tariffs have made a significant difference.
"There are the rich whose power tariff bills are RM600 to RM800 a month. They can afford it. The poor incurs electrical charges of RM60 a month and yet they are struggling. See the disparity. We want to help those who need it."
Ramanan made these remarks after presenting up to RM920,000 in financial aid to recipients of Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), a micro-loan agency, in Penang.
Speaking at the Light Hotel, he called for national unity in the face of global challenges and highlighted the government's efforts to support the lower-income groups through agencies like AIM, Bank Rakyat and TEKUN.
AIM Managing Director Datuk Mohamed Shamir Abdul Aziz said that 320,000 recipients, mostly from the Indian community, have benefited from the agency's support. He noted that AIM records the lowest non-performing loan rate in the country.
"Only 0.02% of the loan recipients do not repay their monthly commitments," said Shamir, adding that loans can go up to RM300,000.
Ramanan also addressed political sentiments within the Indian community, stating that Indian voters are increasingly strategic and not easily influenced.
"Do not underestimate the strategic political outlook of the Indian community, as many of such voters are sophisticated and choose to remain as fence sitters," he said.
He dismissed online criticism of the Madani unity government and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as mere noise, arguing that today's voters are mature and discerning.
"Voters, more so Indians, would support effective governance," said Ramanan. "The problem is that the Indians who are helped, they are shy to be open about the aid they received. But if we ask them, they will tell that the government helps them."
He claimed that more politicians are now focusing on the Indian community because it has become a decisive force in several constituencies.
Commenting on recent statements by Kapar MP Dr Halimah Ali from PAS, who said Indian NGOs were still waiting for MITRA funds despite receiving offer letters, Ramanan expressed surprise.
“I was shocked. Ten PAS MPs talking about MITRA—I’ve never seen this happen before,” he said.
He criticised what he called a sudden show of interest in Indian welfare from opposition MPs, questioning their previous neglect.
"The Indians are not a community which doesn’t understand what is happening in the country. They are politically smart. Now, you want to pull the Indians over to your side and pretend that you are going to speak up for their well-being? All this while you have left us aside, forgotten us, not even thought about us. So, that is the reality now."
Ramanan stated that under AIM alone, over RM470 million has been disbursed to the Indian community to support entrepreneurship and micro-business development.
"This has never been done before. I think the community is appreciative," he said.
He called on the Indian community to unite behind the Madani government, stating that their welfare is now being addressed more seriously than ever.
To government critics, Ramanan offered a blunt response: "They are haters, who will always be haters. We cannot change their mentality but the voters cannot be easily swayed anymore. We must help them and we are." - July 25, 2025
