State DAP deputy chief Ramkarpal Singh, who is also the bureau’s chairman, said it would serve as a platform to tackle issues such as welfare, education and unemployment among Penang’s Indian population.

The bureau was originally established in 2008 by the late DAP chairman Karpal Singh but it has been inactive since 2009.

“We want to provide holistic and effective solutions to the challenges faced by the Indian community,” said Ramkarpal at a press conference at the state DAP headquarters here.

Ramkarpal said the bureau would also develop targeted policies concerning the Indian community which it hoped would be implemented by the state government.

He said former Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto was among the 11 people selected to join the bureau.

Ramkarpal said the bureau would also host a series of Ponggal celebrations in Penang with an estimated RM37,000 budget.

Separately, Ramkarpal said DAP continued to enjoy support from the state’s Indian community despite newer Indian-interest parties cropping up.

“Even with some dissatisfaction, our commitment to addressing community concerns remains unwavering,” he said.