KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 — Indians in the country must unite to seize the opportunities provided by the government to ensure the community progresses and thrives in tandem with the nation's development, said Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.
He said the Madani government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has planned various development programmes for all ethnic groups in line with the Malaysia Madani concept.
"The Indian community must come together under one umbrella to strengthen and empower the community's political influence, ensuring their aspirations and future, especially in improving socioeconomic status," Ramanan said in his Deepavali message on Facebook today.
Hindus will celebrate Deepavali on Thursday (October 31).
He said for the socioeconomic development of the Indian community, the government, through the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry, has implemented various initiatives, such as the SPUMI Goes Big financing scheme through Tekun Nasional and the Bank Rakyat Indian Entrepreneur Financing-i (BRIEF-i).
Other initiatives include Prosperity, Empowerment, and A New Normal (PENN) under Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia and the Business Accelerator Programme for Indian Small Business (I-BAP) through SME Corp, all of which have helped nearly 10,000 Indian entrepreneurs grow their businesses.
"More plans are underway for the Indian community, and I will have regular discussions with the Prime Minister to ensure these plans are implemented systematically and effectively.
"Thank you also to the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, who has always supported me in realising these plans for the Indian community," Ramanan said.
He added that the Indian community has played a vital role in the country's development process, including in government formation and political stability.
As such, the deputy minister is committed to ensuring the welfare and well-being of the Indian community.
"I will do my best for all of you. I understand, deeply empathise and can feel the sentiments of the Indian community in this country. I will do my utmost," Ramanan said.
In conjunction with the Festival of Lights, the Sungai Buloh MP urged the people to further strengthen inter-ethnic relationships, which are the foundation of the nation's strength and resilience.
"I hope this year's celebration will spark and inspire a sense of ‘nambikei’ (hope) for new light in the lives, well-being, prosperity, and future of the Indian community in this country.
"For this Deepavali celebration, let us come together, unite and work hand-in-hand to move forward and ensure a brighter future for us all, like the light that illuminates," he said.
— Bernama
