KUALA LUMPUR – The opposition is again demanding National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique to explain how the misappropriation of funds in the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) took place.
Kasthuri Patto (Batu Kawan-PH) and Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (Kulim Bandar Baharu-PH) agreed in the Dewan Rakyat today that the minister has a responsibility to provide some answers on the issue.
Saifuddin said there is a large number of his constituents, who happen to be Indians from the lower economic rung, constantly asking that issues concerning Mitra be brought up in Parliament.
He added that following the arrest of 16 company directors over the misappropriation of Mitra funds, authorities estimated millions have been embezzled from the RM100 million allocated for the socio-economic development of Indians.
“While authorities are investigating the matter, the minister concerned should come forward to explain where the mistakes were made in terms of implementation of government policies concerning the Indian community.
“The commitment to allocate RM100 million for the Indian community is good, but it is flawed at the implementation level.”
He also called for the government to reveal in Parliament which NGOs received Mitra funds and how they were used, seeing that there are allegations of misuse.
Last Friday, it was reported that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is reviewing all applications, expenditure reports and programmes implemented by recipients of Mitra allocations since 2019.
This came three days after the MACC arrested 16 company directors over alleged misappropriation of Mitra funds. – The Vibes, November 1, 2021
