Government Urged To Adopt Structured Approach To Minority Community Development

ALOR SETAR, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- The government has been urged to introduce a more structured approach to developing minority communities, including the Siamese community, under Budget 2027, with a focus on improving education, skills, incomes and entrepreneurship.

Former Senator Datuk Seri Boon Som Inong said this could be achieved by establishing a dedicated minority community development fund, setting up a dedicated agency or unit at the federal level, and formulating a long-term development plan.

He said the special fund could provide micro-grants for entrepreneurs, skills training and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), educational assistance and economic development programmes aimed at increasing the incomes of minority communities.

“This fund is not intended to make minority communities dependent on government assistance, but rather to serve as a catalyst for them to build careers, increase their incomes and expand their businesses,” he said in a statement today.

The Malaysia Siamese Bumiputera Chambers of Commerce president also proposed the establishment of a Department of Minority Community Affairs and Development or a dedicated agency to coordinate programmes, ensure allocations reach the intended beneficiaries and identify needs at the grassroots level.

He said the institution could also develop a database covering education, employment, income, skills and the socioeconomic status of minority communities, enabling the government to formulate policies based on reliable data.

The third proposal was to formulate a Malaysia Minority Community Development Plan covering five to 10 years, with measurable targets including improvements in educational attainment, the number of entrepreneurs, youth participation in TVET and household incomes.

He said the plan should take into account the differing needs of each community, as a one-size-fits-all approach might not be suitable given the varying geographical, cultural, economic and demographic backgrounds of minority communities.

“The Siamese community is not asking for the rights of other communities to be reduced or for special treatment, but we hope that our small numbers will not mean that our development needs are also regarded as small,” he said.

Boon Som said implementing the proposals could help narrow socioeconomic gaps and strengthen national unity through more inclusive development.

-- BERNAMA