KUALA LUMPUR: The Madani government upholds equality and fairness for the country's diverse population.
Deputy Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said this can be seen in the financial aid programme from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the Indian community's houses of worship.
"This allocation is not specifically for repairing temples or churches.
"It focuses more on the development of programmes to assist the people in the respective areas, particularly the worshippers.
"For instance, for the B40 income group in those areas, they might need tuition classes or religious lessons, and this funding is intended for such purposes and is exclusively for that purpose."
He said the aid, handed over to 90 houses of worship, comprises 89 temples and one church across the country, totalling RM3.17 million.
"This is a special contribution from the prime minister, which reflects his commitment to the Indian community.
"I have worked with five prime ministers before this, and in most cases, if there were such programmes, they would be present on stage.
"However, Anwar emphasises that work must be completed even in his absence; hence, that is why we are carrying out these tasks and responsibilities entrusted to us," he said when met after handing out financial aid.
Commenting on narratives involving racial profiling in the distribution of aid, including efforts to eliminate hardcore poverty, Ramanan said those who perpetuate such views do not understand the bigger picture.
"It's like an accountant who doesn't know maths.
"They are the ones who come up with these things. That's the problem we face.
"We've carried out initiatives amounting to more than RM136 million.
"Our programmes don't discriminate; they are designed for everyone.
"Specific programmes have been implemented, with over RM5 million allocated in total for assemblymen and members of parliament for the Indian community to conduct programmes in their respective areas.
"I completely agree with what the prime minister said yesterday.
"The RM136 million allocated for the Indian community's special programmes isn't factored into just one ministry."
He said ever since Anwar led the government, the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) had fully utilised its allocated funds.
"Previously, the funds were always returned. So, let's be fair. All of us, as leaders of the Indian community, MPs, and assemblymen, wouldn't support the prime minister if we didn't have faith in him.
We care deeply about our community."
Yesterday, Anwar said the government's policy is to provide assistance without any racial discrimination.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, was responding to claims by certain parties that the additional RM130 million allocation for the Indian community is insufficient.