KUALA LUMPUR: Holding a ministerial post while continuing to helm the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) Special Committee should not be made an issue, said newly-minted Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk R. Ramanan.
He said both the ministry and Mitra was not run by a single person, but a capable team.
"Nobody is a one-man show.
"This ministry utilised 99 per cent of its budget in 2023, third best performing ministry in the country headed by Datuk Ewon Benedick and secretary-general Datuk Seri Suriani Ahmad.
"Mitra also has a hands-on director general with 29 staff capable of managing the unit.
"Our involvement is only in sharing ideas, giving input and overseeing the operations. It is a collective effort," he said after officiating the closing ceremony of Seminar Serambi SPM 2023 sponsored by Mitra today.
When asked if he would retain his position as Mitra chairman, he said that he would do so until it is decided and announced otherwise by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"Let's wait for his announcement," he added.
He also dismissed criticism against the unity government by certain quarters claiming that it lacked Indian representation in the cabinet.
He said the people need to trust the wisdom and the leadership of the prime minister.
"Our duties are to focus on uplifting the Indians and serving the Malaysians, not politicking," he said.
The Sungai Buloh member of parliament was amongst those included in the latest lineup after the reshuffle held earlier this week.
Also present was Mitra chief executive officer Ravindran Nair.
