Government's Efforts To Help Indians Not Rhetoric But Reality 
SUNGAI SIPUT, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- The government's efforts to develop and improve the socio economic status of the Indian community in the country is not a rhetoric but a reality by way of numerous programmes initiated by the government.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said among the programmes carried out by the government is the Malaysian Action Plan for the Indian Community (MIB).
Through the MIB, 2 billion units of amanah saham shares have been allocated to the Indian community by Permodalan Nasional Berhad and that must be fully utilised by the community.
"Indian leaders are appointed to the cabinet and there are Indians who are appointed to administrative positions in government departments and agencies. This is the best commitment by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak," he said at the Malaysia Deepavali 2017 Open House at Ladang Info Ternak, here today which was attended by about 8,000 people from all races.
The Deepavali Open house hosted by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and the Perak state government was to strengthen unity and understanding among the various races in the country and to promote the various traditions and festivals celebrated in the country to tourists.
The celebration attracted 26 media personnel from ASEAN countries who were specially brought in by Tourism Malaysia through the Mega Familiarisation Programme (Mega Fam) throughout the country.
The Deputy Prime Minister said though Malaysia's population is made up of many races, ethnics, religions, culture, tradition and festivals, unity in diversity has never been a problem in the country.
"This is because the Federal government and states give utmost priority to unity so as to maintain peace, harmony, patriotism and togetherness," he said.
Ahmad Zahid also urged the Indian community, including those in Sungai Siput, to give their undivided support to the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate during the general election to ensure their welfare is guaranteed and well taken care of.
"In the past there was a renown leader in Sungai Siput (Tun S. Samy Vellu) and naturally the people of Sungai Siput will elect a leader from the party that can help the Indian community. It will be a big loss to the Indian community in Sungai Siput if they are represented by an elected leader who cannot offer progress to the Indians.
"Change for the betterment of Sungai Siput, Perak and Malaysia now," he said.
-- BERNAMA
