Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email This is easier said that done. Some may claim why limit to one out of 10 grants. Others will claim that MARA (and its programs) is specifically for Malays, and other channels exists for the second class citizens. Then, if ever this proposal succeeds, how to ensure that the right candidate is given, instead of one who greases few palms along the way or is a crony of some leaders.
| Include Indians for entrepreneur grants |
| P Sivakumar | Jan 18, 08 2:24pm |
| The Malaysian Indian Business Association (Miba) would like to urge the Yayasan Strategik Sosial (YSS) – the social welfare arm of the MIC – to request the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative Ministry to include Indians in its drive to increase entrepreneurs through Giat Mara (a Mara non-profit subsidiary which provides technical and vocational training skills).
Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said on Monday that the government had identified Pahang, Kelantan, Penang, Perak and Kedah as beneficiaries to for a RM10 million allocation aimed at creating at least 200 small-scale bumiputera entrepreneurs. The grants are for between RM30,000 and RM35,000. YSS has been championing the cause of Indian youths under the Giat Mara scheme for some time. Miba is aware that a special allocation for Indians from the National Entrepreneurship Institute through the YSS to provide half-day seminars on Entrepreneur Development Programmes (EDP) is underway. However, these seminars will only impart an introduction to business knowledge. The real help needed for Indians to gain and progress in business can only be met with a practical approach by grants being extended to Indians not unlike the ones being offered to bumiputeras. Indian Malaysians have recently expressed great frustration and have urged the government to treat them equally in every respect. They want to be included in government initiations for economic progress. In line with this, Miba urges YSS and MIC to appeal to the minister to give Indians at least one grant for every 10 extended to bumiputeras. This will help the Indians to catch up with the other races besides being fair play. Why not? Aren’t the Indians paying taxes and fines? The writer is president, Miba. |
great news! I am looking for grants also. In Dire need to start a new business.
Pls help!!! I already running a business almost 6 months. I need some financial assist to run-up and expand my business. Pls provide me the way and ideas to get financial back-up and any sources to get business loans or grants. Thanks.