Strong 'nambikei' between Govt-Indian community transforms lives: PM

The strong “nambikei” or trust that has existed between the Government and the Indian community has contributed remarkably in transforming the lives of many among the Indian community over the last six years, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said.

In his New Year message to the Tamil and Sikh communities, Najib said the Malaysian Indian community has always been a true partner to the Government in its efforts to build a better Malaysia for the current and future generations.

"We remain steadfast in continuing our achievements and multiplying our efforts to ensure many more in the community are touched by our transformation initiatives," he said in his Chittirai Puthandu and Vaisakhi message posted on his Facebook, Monday.

However, Najib said the government would not be able do this alone, as it was rather a journey that needs to be passed through together, based on mutual trust.

The Indian community would be ushering in their New Year this month, with the Indians celebrating "Putthandu" while the Sikh community will mark the auspicious day of the birth of 'Khalsa' by celebrating 'Vaisakhi'.

"New Year is the time when we celebrate our accomplishments and embrace the beginning of a better tomorrow. It is also the time when we look forward for new growth and opportunities.

"This, I am sure, will be the main thoughts of many in the Malaysian Indian community as they celebrate their New Year tomorrow," Najib said.

The prime minister said Malaysians are very fortunate to be able to celebrate various festivals of different ethnic communities in peace and harmony.

He said mutual respect and understanding among Malaysians of different race and religious backgrounds has been the foundation for peace and prosperity of the nation.

"It is our duty to protect and preserve this uniqueness in safeguarding our independence and sovereignty. In the spirit of 1Malaysia, I take this opportunity to call upon fellow Malaysians to join me and wish “Chittirai Putthandu Vaalthukal” and “Vishu Ashamsakal” to the Tamil and Malayalee community respectively and “Aap Sab Nu Vaisakhi Di Lakh Lakh Vadai Hovey” to the Sikhs in Malaysia".