Reviving the Malaysian Indian Blueprint: A Path Forward for the Community
PETALING JAYA
MIC deputy president M Saravanan has urged the government to revive the Malaysian Indian Blueprint (MIB) under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to address the socio-economic challenges faced by the Indian community.
A Comprehensive Direction for the Community
The 13MP, which will run from 2026 to 2030, should chart a comprehensive direction for the community, focussing on key issues such as education, employment, economic development, and youth empowerment. "The government must prioritise the Indian community’s needs, especially in addressing long-standing socio-economic disparities. Reviving the MIB is crucial to provide effective solutions and a clear path forward," Saravanan told FMT.
The Blueprint: A Plan to Address Socio-Economic Challenges
The blueprint was formulated in 2017 and introduced by the government under the leadership of former prime minister Najib Razak. However, it has yet to be implemented. It was intended to address the socio-economic challenges faced by the Indian community, focussing on areas such as education, employment, and economic empowerment.
An Eight-Thrust Agenda for the Government
Saravanan said MIC plans to submit an eight-thrust agenda to the government, which includes proposals to improve university intake, preschool education, women’s empowerment, religion, economic opportunities, and programmes to address community-specific issues. He stressed that specific programmes must be created to tackle social issues within the community, and the 13MP presents a critical opportunity for transformative change.
Innovative Solutions Needed
"We cannot rely on conventional methods anymore. The government needs to adopt innovative and targeted solutions to address the challenges faced by the Indian community. This requires commitment and a strategic approach," he said.
Preparing for an Ageing Nation
Saravanan highlighted the need for Malaysia to prepare for its transition into an ageing nation by 2030. He said comprehensive policies are required to support the ageing population and ensure their well-being.
Empowering the Youth
The former human resources minister also stressed that young Malaysians must be equipped with future-ready skills to thrive in an increasingly competitive job market. "The youth need to build resilient skills, particularly in emerging fields like artificial intelligence and robotics under the Industrial Revolution 4.0. Employers today are looking for applicants who are proficient in both technical and soft skills," he said.
Conclusion
Reviving the Malaysian Indian Blueprint is crucial to provide effective solutions and a clear path forward for the community. The 13MP presents an opportunity for transformative change, and it is essential that the government adopts innovative and targeted solutions to address the challenges faced by the Indian community.
FAQs
- What is the Malaysian Indian Blueprint?
The Malaysian Indian Blueprint is a plan to address the socio-economic challenges faced by the Indian community in Malaysia. - What is the 13th Malaysia Plan?
The 13th Malaysia Plan is a national roadmap to navigate domestic and global challenges, which will run from 2026 to 2030. - What are the key issues that the 13MP should focus on?
The 13MP should focus on key issues such as education, employment, economic development, and youth empowerment.