Nearly RM3 billion was supposed to be allocated by the Finance Ministry for the socio-economic development of Indians, but the Penang government wants to know whether the money has benefitted the community.

Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy ( photo ) demanded the Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to explain what had happened to the money which was supposedly allocated to the Indian community from 2012 to 2015.

According to Ramasamy, Najib who is also the Finance Minister, had allocated RM2.8 billion for the period between 2012 and 2014, and RM260 million for 2015 aimed at programmes to uplift the lives of the community.

“This matter was given massive coverage in the Tamil language daily Malaysian Nanban which quoted Treasury secretary-general Irwin Serigar Abdullah who revealed the figures from the Finance Ministry," he said at a press conference held at the Penang State Assembly building today.

Did it go to MIC?

“We are surprised as we do not know anything about this,” claimed Ramasamy, who is Prai assemblyperson.

He added that the money is supposed to be allocated for Indian youths, women entrepreneurship, Tamil schools and for an education fund.

“But where is the money? Did it go to MIC? Was it hijacked by someone? Which organisation did Najib give the money to?

“We hope Najib will tell us what happened to the money and whether the Indian community has benefitted from it,” he quipped.