Malaysian PM asks ethnic Indians to ignore `extremist groups`

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 26 (PTI) Describing ethnic Indians as an integral part of society, Malaysian Premier Abdullah Badawi Sunday said a Cabinet committee has been set up to address their grievances but asked the community complaining of racial inequality not to allow "extremist groups" to influence them.

In his message on the occasion of Diwali, a public
holiday in this multi-ethnic country, Abdullah said Malaysian
Indians, the majority of whom are Hindus, had always
tirelessly worked with and constructively engaged the
government to improve the well-being of the community.

"The government is also fully committed to this end,
knowing full well that any advancement made by this community,
as with the others, will surely also benefit the country as a
whole," he said.

Abdullah said a Cabinet committee has been set up to
address challenges faced by the minority community which is an
integral part of society. He said that the government
recognises the ethnic Indians' past and present contributions
to nation-building.

"In the spirit of Deepavali, that good will always
prevail. Malaysians must remain together and not allow
extremist groups and individuals to cause tensions to rise.

"We are mature and united enough to recognise that the
vast majority of Malaysians, regardless of race or religion,
all aspire to achieve the same objectives for our families and
for our country," he said in his message.

The Prime Minister did not name any group but his
comments were apparently aimed at the non-governmental Hindu
Rights Action Force, a body spearheading agitation against the
alleged marginalisation of ethnic Indians. The group was
banned recently by government for adopting a "very extreme"
approach to propagate its ideology.

Ethnic Indians have been part of Malaysia for the past
200 years when most of them were brought by the colonial
British to help out in plantations, build roads and railways.
About eight percent of Malaysia's 27 million population are
ethnic Indians.

Abdullah, in his message, said the best thing about being
a Malaysian was being a part of a unique and diverse society.

Turning to the international financial turmoil, he said
Malaysia remained steadfast and confident in weathering the
global economic crisis by being united as a people to face it
and "in ensuring that we come out of it better and stronger
than before".

The chief of the Malaysian Indian Congress (M.I.C.) Samy
Vellu, in his Deepavali message, urged the minority Indian
community to set aside differences, unite and speak with one
voice.

For the sake of future generations, Indians must not cast
aspersions on each other to the extent of dividing the
community, he said.

"Let us put our energy, mind and resources to bring about
the transformation needed to face a globalised and border less
world," said Samy Vellu.

It was time for the Indian community to work together to
overcome the global economic recession, and their thoughts and
strengths must be unified, said Samy Vellu, whose party is a
constituent of the ruling coalition.

Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and
Industry President Kenneth Eswaran said the Deepavali
celebrations should not be restricted to the Indian community.

"I hope every Malaysian will consider this as our very
own Malaysian festival," he said. PTI