M'sian Indian blueprint is 'no empty talk', Najib says at launch

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak today launched what he described as a "very historical" Malaysian Indian Blueprint (MIB), and vowed to see all the core trusts listed under it fulfilled within its 10-year period.
In a fiery 40-minute speech, the prime minister stressed that the blueprint, the first such one to be implemented by the government, is not merely a "vetti pecchu" (empty talks), but a "nijjam" (reality).
Najib said the implementation had nothing to do with winning votes for the upcoming election, with plans having been drafted some two years ago.
"We stand here today, in an effort to push the Indian community in the country to a higher level, addressing their problems, finding appropriate solutions and executing the required actions to elevate them.
"It has nothing to do with the General Election. What we do is not being self-absorbed nor a political rhetoric, or what you would call 'vetti pecchu'. But this is the reality," he said in front some 2,000 guests, here, today.
Najib said the implementation of the blueprint would be headed by MIC president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam, who will chair the executive committee.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa, Subramaniam and MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
He also announced an allocation of over RM1 billion to ensure smooth implementation of the blueprint, including aiding those in the B40 (bottom 40% income group).
"The government always introduces measures to encourage savings among the B40 group. In line with that, we will allocate RM500 million of investment fund scheme under the Permodalan Nasional Berhad specially targeted for Indian B40 community.
"I have also agreed for the establishment of a revolving fund worth RM500 million to meet the needs of the Indian community in terms of business loans," he said.
Some of the details of the blueprint announced by Najib include:
» a RM40 million special fund to help Indian students to further their studies;
» to increase the Indian community enrolment in public higher education institutions to at least 7%;
» to increase the Indian community participation in the public service to 7% by 2026; and
» a special system to be implemented by the Home Ministry to help Indian community who were born in Malaya before 1957 without a citizenship to obtain one.
Najib said the government would introduce a new monitoring mechanism to ensure the key performance index (KPI) and outcomes of the blueprint are set and measured without any bias.
"This will maximise the integrity of this monitoring mechanism and also ensure that any weaknesses in implementation is detected, studied and improved in real time," he said.
Meanwhile, Subramaniam said he would first set up an implementation body consisting of a number of government officials to define the KPIs that are to be achieved over a period of time.
"Then we will monitor to ensure that these are achievable. We will start moving immediately," he told a press conference after the MIB launch today.