SHAH ALAM, April 14 (Bernama) — The Unity Government has never neglected the welfare of the Indian community but rather various programmes had been initiated to assist in the development of the community at large said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said every programme that has been carried out or being carried out by the government is universal in nature and tailored with the interest of the entire Indian community in the country as per their needs and aspirations, in line with the concept of the Malaysia MADANI government.
Citing the success of having eradicated hardcore poverty in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Penang, Anwar who is also the Finance Minister said efforts to eradicate poverty was done regardless of race, and such an initiative also included the Indian community.
“…I don’t care whether they are ‘tauke’ who are Malays, Chinese or Indians. What I care is the majority who are not so priviledged.
“That’s why I say our first priority is to eradicate hardcore poverty. Though in terms of numbers, Malays are the majority, but in terms of those who benefitted under the initiative in Kuala Lumpur and Negeri Sembilan was the Indian community.
“I don’t see the issue of poverty from the racial point of view, if they fall under the hardcore poor category, they will be assisted,” he said in his opening speech of the Fifth International Convention and Celebration of Indian statesman Dr Ambedkar’s 133rd birthday and Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration at the Ideal Convention Centre, here today.
–BERNAMA