Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's direct engagement with Indian community leaders is providing the government with input on issues to be addressed through future policies and initiatives, including for the upcoming 2027 Budget next month.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Special Duties Officer to the Prime Minister M. Shanmugam stated that the latest engagement on September 3, the second of its kind, brought together representatives from the business sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and community organisations. Various issues were raised during the session, including education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), matriculation, universities, entrepreneurship, financing, development, the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (MITRA), welfare, and government service delivery.

Shanmugam emphasized that this engagement is in its early stages as the government collects input that will be translated into action through the Budget on October 9, as well as initiatives from the Prime Minister's Office. He mentioned that the Prime Minister plans to present these requests to the Cabinet and will address them as long as the government is in a position to do so. This approach highlights Anwar's commitment to listening directly to the community to better understand its needs and translate the feedback into concrete action.

Discussions during the engagement were not limited to issues affecting the Indian community but also encompassed broader matters concerning the country's economic and social development. Previously, Anwar had indicated that the MADANI government would continue efforts to improve the Indian community's standard of living as part of the national development agenda. This includes widening access to financing for entrepreneurs, strengthening MITRA, enhancing entrepreneurship and TVET, and creating more opportunities for youth development through mentor-mentee programmes.

Meanwhile, at the national Onam celebration, Onam Vannallo 4.0, All Malaysia Malayalee Association (AMMA) president Datin Seri Shaila Nair noted that approximately 650 people attended the event, which featured various cultural performances and an Onam feast. The participation of Malaysians from different communities was particularly encouraging and reflected the event's theme of unity. Onam, an annual harvest festival celebrated by the Malayalee community, particularly in Kerala, India, traditionally commemorates the return of the legendary King Mahabali, whose reign is associated with prosperity, equality, and harmony.