A PKR assemblyperson has lauded Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for appointing R Ramanan as human resources minister and R Yuvaneswaran as deputy minister for national unity, saying the move recognises the voice, aspirations, and contributions of the Indian community.

Dr Gunaraj George thanked Anwar, who is also PKR president, for listening to the concerns and appeals of the Indian community, particularly the need for a full minister of Indian descent who is able to speak Tamil within the cabinet.

“This appointment represents an important recognition of the voice, aspirations, and contributions of the Indian community in Malaysia,” he added in a statement.

Following the appointment, Gunaraj said it is now time for the Indian community to continue working closely with the Madani government under Anwar’s leadership, “to support the existing leadership, and to convey the community’s demands and needs in a prudent, united, and constructive manner for a better future”.

The Sentosa assemblyperson also pointed out that Ramanan (above) and Yuvaneswaran’s appointments reflected the confidence of the nation’s leadership in the “capabilities, integrity, and commitment of both leaders in championing the reform agenda, inclusive development, and the well-being of the people”.

“We believe that the great trust entrusted will be carried out with full dedication and resolve, particularly in efforts to empower workers’ welfare, strengthen harmony within Malaysia’s multi-ethnic society, and build a more just, progressive, and united Malaysia,” he added.

Ramanan’s promotion from deputy entrepreneur development and cooperatives minister to full minister ends the controversy over the absence of a Tamil-speaking representative in Anwar’s cabinet, following the removal of former human resources minister V Sivakumar in December 2023.

Previously, critics had highlighted that it was the first time in Malaysian history that there was no Tamil-speaking minister.

Ramanan is a PKR vice-president, whereas Yuvaneswaran is also a federal lawmaker from PKR. The latter replaces K Saraswathy, who is also from PKR.

Yesterday, Ramanan vowed to carry out his duties with full dedication and commitment to fulfil the hopes of Malaysians, including the Indian community, and also for the country, in line with the Madani Malaysia vision.

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