DAP senator urges PM to intervene over Mitra's delay in disbursing funds

Summary

• A DAP senator urges the prime minister to resolve the issue involving Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit’s (Mitra) delay in disbursing funds for approved programmes.

• Dr A Lingeshwaran also urges the PM to direct Mitra to release a full public report on the RM100 million allocated under Budget 2025, including amounts approved, disbursed, and pending.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim must intervene and resolve issues involving the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit’s (Mitra) delay in disbursing funds to approved programmes, a DAP senator said.

Dr A Lingeshwaran said he was made to understand that 45 community-focused programmes endorsed by Mitra, valued at RM40 million under Phase 1 of Budget 2025, have yet to receive funds.

“These are not pending applications. These are 45 fully approved and signed agreements involving legitimate NGOs, training providers, and social development partners.

“These funds are intended to support education, skills training, entrepreneurship development, women’s empowerment, and other high-impact initiatives.

“The delay has unfortunately hurt implementation plans, derailing community timelines, and straining the trust of stakeholders who acted in good faith,” he said in a statement today.

Lingeshwaran (above) pointed out that Mitra’s Socioeconomic Development Grant Programme 2025 applications were opened from Dec 2, 2024, to Jan 5, 2025, which was six months ago.

“Since then, applicants have complied with every requirement - submitted proposals, have undergone evaluations, received approvals, and signed formal agreements.

“But the final step of releasing the funds has not been executed due to reasons not explained to the community.

“Mitra must explain the reasons for the prolonged delays immediately, particularly the internal or external barriers preventing funds disbursement,” he said.

Call for transparency

Given the problems facing the agency, the DAP leader also urged Anwar to direct Mitra to release a full public report on the status of the RM100 million allocated under Budget 2025, including the amounts approved, disbursed, and pending.

“And the prime minister must also ensure the implementation of a clear, time-bound disbursement schedule, monitored and updated publicly on a monthly basis,” he added.

Lingeshwaran pointed out that the issue is beyond budgetary mechanics as it also involves the trust factor between the government and the Indian community.

“The RM100 million is not symbolic. It is a practical tool meant to address deep-rooted disparities. Every month of delay is a month of lost opportunity,” he added.

When contacted, Mitra’s special task force committee chairperson, P Prabarakan, said he would provide a response tomorrow.

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