In an attempt to reduce unemployment in the community, the government of Malaysia intends to increase the number of Indian students who enroll in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister mentioned that Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who serves as the head of the National TVET Council, notified him of this. He added that the council is presently examining the issue.
"I was told by Ahmad Zahid that there have been appeals for Indian students to be given access to TVET. I have not yet received the number for this but the work is in progress", He mentioned this on Sunday, July 16, at a meet-and-greet event with the Penang Indian community held at the nearby Seberang Perai Arena Convention Center. Chow Kon Yeow, the chief minister of Penang, and Dr. P. Ramasamy, the deputy chief minister, were also present at that event.
Anwar clarified that these actions were a part of the government's attempts to lessen the burden on people's life and end extreme poverty among all ethnicities, especially Indians. Anwar responded to the complaints of Chinese and Indian students who had been turned away from graduation institutions although holding outstanding test scores by saying that the Education Ministry, led by Minister Fadhlina Sidek, was looking into the situation.
"This country practices meritocracy and another thing is democratization to access education. Both must go hand in hand. I told Fadhlina, there is no need to make a statement (on this), no necessity to make noise, just get the full report in a week or two and resolve this", he stated.
Anwar, who has a busy itinerary in Penang, highlighted that the state's government was determined to uphold its stance of protecting the rights of every individual, despite coming under constant criticism from the opposition, which charges that Anwar was only fighting for the rights of other ethnic groups while neglecting the rights of Malays.
"This is a fundamental principle. Out there, there is propaganda to create fear among Malays that they are under threat because Anwar as Prime Minister is now compromising with non-Malays and surrendering the Malays' rights and power. We will have to work hard to ensure that such racism, racial propaganda, and religious bigotry has no place in this country", he mentioned.
He requested individuals of every ethnic background to unite and work with the Madani administration to revive the economy, raise educational standards, draw expenditures, and preserve the nation and its citizens. Anwar additionally conveyed his thanks to the Indian community for backing him consistently when he was 'thrown out' of politics some 20 years ago till he returned to assume the country's leadership.
