Najib uses New Year message to promise development for Indians

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak today promised the minority Indian community in his multi-ethnic country that no section will be "left out" under his government's development programmes, as he greeted Tamils, Malayalees and Sikhs on the New Year.

In a message on his Facebook page, Najib noted that at this time of the year, Malaysians from the Indian community were getting ready to celebrate "Putthandu", a Tamil festival, and "Vishu", the Malayalese New Year.

Najib also noted that the Malaysian Sikh community is celebrating 'Vaisakhi', while pledging his government's endeavour to be a partner of the minority Indian community.

"We are firmly committed to the principle that under the Malaysian sky, no community will be left out," Najib, known to be very tech savvy, wrote on his page.

"Our communities and our country, let us continue to build this partnership based on trust, or 'nambikei' (in Tamil). I cannot build this future alone and so I need each and every one of you to walk with me in this journey to bring transformation and the light of hope to all Malaysians.

"In the spirit of 1Malaysia, let us all take the opportunity to celebrate these special days together. I take this opportunity to wish all Hindus a very Happy New Year and to all Sikhs, a very Happy Vaisakhi," he said.

He said many people celebrating the New Year will also resolve to work harder to improve their lives, and the lives of those closest to them.

In this determination to achieve progress, the Government will continue to play a role as a real partner of the Indian community, he said.

"Together, we will deliver results that directly improve the quality of life of Malaysian Indians," Najib wrote.

He said in realising the 1Malaysia concept, Indians play an important role in working with Government to address the issues faced by the people.

The Government is constantly engaging directly with the people and implementing various programmes to transform the country, he said.