IN the ever-evolving landscape of Malaysian politics, the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) once again appears to be caught in a game of being kicked around. The recent buzz surrounding the possible relocation of Mitra from the Prime Minister’s Department to the National Unity Ministry has again stirred public discourse and raised questions about the stability and continuity of this crucial affirmative action unit.

An oxymoron

Placing an affirmative action unit like Mitra under the purview of the National Unity Ministry raises fundamental questions about the coherence of governmental strategies and the sincerity of its commitment to addressing the specific needs of the Malaysian Indian community.

Affirmative action programmes, by nature, are designed to rectify historical disadvantages and uplift marginalised communities. In the case of Mitra, its primary objective is to address the socio-economic challenges faced by the Indian community in the country. However, aligning Mitra with the National Unity Ministry, which is tasked with fostering national harmony and inclusivity across all ethnicities, creates an inherent contradiction. Affirmative action demands a targeted, community-specific approach, whereas a unity-focused ministry pursues a broader, all-encompassing agenda.

The juxtaposition of these two objectives is, at its core, oxymoronic – a contradiction in purpose that risks diluting the commitment and effectiveness required to uplift a specific community, in this case, the Indian Malaysians. The move threatens to compromise Mitra’s ability to address the nuanced issues faced by the Indian community and risks rendering it ineffectual in its pursuit of genuine transformation and empowerment.

Political expediency?

As the government contemplates this latest shuffle, one can’t help but wonder whether Mitra is being moved as a pawn on a chessboard of political expediency or if it genuinely stands as a beacon for the betterment of the Malaysian Indian community.

The persistent reshuffling begs the question: Is this a strategic move in the name of progress, or merely a political sleight of hand? The paradox of placing a race-based affirmative unit under the umbrella of a unity-focused ministry persists, leaving us to ponder whether unity, in this context, is a genuine pursuit or merely an oxymoron masking the continuance of political whims. In the chess game of governance, Mitra appears to be a pawn traded without regard for the community livelihood it represents – an unsettling reality that challenges the very essence of affirmative action and the government’s commitment to uplifting those in need.

Back in PM’s Dept at the request of MIC

This roller coaster ride for Mitra has been marked by a series of changes, each seemingly prompted by shifts in political leadership. From its inception in 2008 under the sixth prime minister Najib Razak to its subsequent move to the Unity Ministry in 2018 with the change of government, Mitra has undergone not only a move in location but also a name change from Socioeconomic Development of Indian Community (Sedic) to Mitra. In 2022, under the leadership of MIC president S. A. Vigneswaran, Mitra found its way back to its original home under the Prime Minister’s Department, thanks to the ninth prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, only to face another potential relocation under the Anwar Ibrahim administration.

One cannot ignore the leadership downgrade that accompanied Mitra’s journey, where the director-general transitioned from a Jusa B to a Grade 54 position.

These moves raise questions about the stability and commitment of the government to the objectives of Mitra, especially considering the call of civil society and community leaders who advocated for its return to the Prime Minister’s Department.

Now, as rumours circulate about Mitra’s potential shift to the National Unity Ministry, concerns arise about the compatibility of a race-based affirmative unit with the objectives of a ministry focused on national unity. It raises the question: Is it logical to park an affirmative action unit under the purview of a ministry whose goals might pull in the exact opposite direction?

Keep Ramanan at the helm

One staunch advocate for Mitra’s continuity and stability is R. Ramanan who has been steering the Mitra ship as its council chairman. He rightly earned his appointment as deputy entrepreneur and cooperatives development minister, having had steered Mitra well for the past year, and this emphasises the necessity of Mitra’s placement within the Prime Minister’s Department.

Why Mitra needs to be under the PM’s oversight

The privilege, clout, cross-ministerial functionality and proximity to the prime minister that come with this position are crucial for Mitra to serve the Malaysian Indian community effectively.

Govt must consider community’s sentiments

In light of these considerations, the Malaysian Indian community is left to ponder whether the constant shuffling of Mitra is in the community’s best interest and its political positioning. Leaders within the government must address these concerns and clarify the future of Mitra.

The Indian civil society deserves a stable and committed affirmative action unit that can effectively address the needs of the Malaysian Indian community without the spectre of constant relocation hanging over its head.

As we await the announcement from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the government must consider the sentiments of the people and recognise the importance of stability in the pursuit of affirmative action for the betterment of all communities in Malaysia.

The future of Mitra should not be a pawn in political chess but a beacon of hope and progress for the Malaysian Indian community. – December 23, 2023.

* Dr A.T. Kumararajah reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.