Palanivel announces 15-year roadmap for Malaysian Indians

As the Indians in Malaysia celebrate the Tamil New Year today, MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel has good news to convey to the community.

"Today, on 'Chittirai Puthandu of Manmadha Varudham', I am glad to assure fellow Indians, that now, we do have plan. A roadmap that we have been waiting for all this while.

"MIC under my leadership has been working on developing this blueprint for the last one year. It will cover strategic directions for all stakeholders in our society. Milestones, action plans and detailed policies will be outlined for the next 15 years," he said in a statement today, in conjunction with the Chittirai New Year.

He said the master blueprint to be launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, covered three key result areas (KRA), politics, economy and social transformation for the next 15 years.

He said many of the blueprint initiatives and policies would be integrated in the 11th Malaysian Plan, Economic Planning Unit, The Performance Management & Delivery Unit, all ministries and government agencies budget.

"These KRA's will incorporate critical initiatives in developing world class primary to tertiary education, high income jobs, competitive business and entrepreneurs, strengthening of culture, religion and Tamil language, youth development and women empowerment," he added.

Meanwhile, Palanivel who is also Minister of Natural Resources and Environment wished "Chitrai Puthandu" to Tamils, "Vishu" (Malayalees), "Vaisakhi" (Sikhs) and "Ugadhi" (Telugus).

He urged the community to focus on the positive aspects of life and future and to "forgive and forget" the negative past.

The holy and joyous occasion is annually observed on the first day of the Tamil solar calendar, April 14, and this year it is known as 'Manmatha'.