Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on Tuesday gave the assurance that the Batu Caves area will be preserved.
He said if the Barisan Nasional (BN) was able to re-capture Selangor in the coming general election, it would annul the 29-storey condominium project in the area and instead, propose for Batu Caves to be declared a world heritage site.
Najib said Batu Caves was close to the hearts of Hindus not only in Malaysia but also abroad as they considered it to be a holy place.
"We do not want development in this area to threaten the future of the Batu Caves complex," he said when addressing the crowd that had thronged the Deepavali Open House organised by MIC at the Batu Caves Complex.
Many quarters have objected to the implementation of the proposed condominium project, planned to be built near the limestone hill at the complex.
On the move to make Batu Caves a world heritage site, Najib said the matter would have to be brought to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural organisation (Unesco) after Malaysia completed its term as a member of the World Heritage Commission in 2015.
This effort will be made through the Information, Communications and Culture Ministry.
"We cannot submit the application now because there may be a conflict of interest. Our term ends in 2015 and after that we will submit our official request for the Batu Caves Complex to be declared by Unesco as a world heritage site," he added.
In his speech, Najib also announced that the Deepavali public holiday would also be observed in the Federal Territory of Labuan.
"Although Labuan does not have many Hindus, but because Labuan is also part of the Federal Territories, they are also eligible to observe the day as a public holiday," said Najib.
He regarded the Deepavali Open House organised by MIC, held at Batu Caves for the second time, as a merry one and the crowd gathered at the premises as a reflection of the 1Malaysia spirit.
"The 1Malaysia spirit which is supported by mutual respect among the races, religions and cultures which as been nurtured for so long is the pillar of our country," he added.
Najib later attended the Deepavali open house organised by the Malaysian Associated Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI) at Rumah Puspanita here where he was greeted on arrival by MAICCI president Datuk K.K.Eswaran.
Present were Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Dr Ali Hamsa, Raja Nong Chik, Liow, Koh and Wanita Umno Chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil as well as Najib's son Nor Ashman.
Before leaving the event where guests included orphans and underprivileged children about 45 minutes later, Najib cut a three-tiered Deepavali cake and received a garland of flowers from Eswaran.
Meanwhile, Eswaran urged the Indian community to give their full support to the government and the prime minister, and stressed on the importance of practising the 1Malaysia concept.
He said under Najib, the government extended assistance which allowed more Indians to participate in the business sector including small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
"The Indian business community can't complain any more and must give full support to Datuk Seri Najib because he has shown his concern towards us," he said, citing the RM180 million special allocation for Indian entrepreneurs as an example.
Najib then headed for the Federal Territory People's Progressive Party's (PPP) Deepavali do in Jalan Sentul here which was attended by PPP president Datuk M.Kayveas, Federal Territory PPP chairman Datuk A.Chandrakumanan and party senior vice-president Datuk Maglin Dennis D'Cruz as well as other cabinet members and politicians.
Bernama
Tue Nov 13 2012
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.