Progress of Indian community vital for development of nation

The progress of the Indian community in all development sectors has always been given emphasis by the government, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

He said since gaining independence 55 years ago, various initiatives had been taken by the government to ensure that the Indian community continued to enjoy progress together with other communities in the mainstream of national development.

"The government has been working hard to ensure that no community is neglected and live in poverty," he said when launching the Deepavali celebration in Lebuh Ampang here, tonight.

Present were his wife, Puan Sri Norainee Abdul Rahman, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri G. Palanivel and Deputy Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Maglin Dennis D'Cruz.

Muhyiddin, who is also the education minister, said the government was also giving attention to the educational development of the Indian community.

He said vernacular schools would remain in the national education system as espoused in the preliminary report of the National Education Blueprint.

Indian traders had never been denied business opportunities for eight per cent business licences in the Federal Territory had been approved to them, he added.

Muhyiddin said hence, he hoped the Indian community would continue to support the Barisan Nasional government for it was committed in championing all races, and not be fooled by the opposition’s promises.

"No other political party can look after the well-being of the Indian community as had been done by Barisan Nasional for 55 years," he said.