PM Najib happy with trust shown by Indian community

Commitment vital to transform Malaysia, says prime minister.

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak expressed happiness today at the Malaysian Indian community’s strong commitment and trust or “nambikei” to work with him, saying that the trust is vital “as we transform Malaysia together”.

In his message posted on his www.1Malaysia.com.my blog in conjunction with the Ponggal celebration tomorrow, he said as Malaysians, “we will continue to work together to transform Malaysia”.

“As we share in the culture of our friends and their tradition of boiling milk and rice to mark the overflowing of bounty from our land, all Malaysians can indeed be grateful that Malaysia is a country of plentiful harvests and food,” he said.

Najib also described the Ponggal, or the festival celebrating the harvest, as a special time for the Indian community as it marks the start of the auspicious “Thai” month in the Indian calendar and also happens to be the first major festival for Indians in this new year.

“As all Malaysians approach 2012 with optimism and a renewed sense of purpose, we are once again reminded of the rich diversity that our country proudly supports and nurtures,” he said.

The prime minister also wished all Malaysian Indians “Ponggal Vaalthukal” and a very happy Ponggal.

“In the true spirit of 1Malaysia, let us once again come together and join our friends and celebrate this festival with the hope that, together, we will have many more bountiful harvests for all in the years to come,” he added.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin called on Malaysians to learn about the culture of other races to obtain a better understanding of the various celebrations in the country.

He said that because of the country’s diverse culture, Malaysians were able to witness the various unique and interesting culture.

“Only by learning and understanding the actual purpose and importance of a certain celebration can we be able to appreciate the celebrations of other races and forge closer relations among the various races in the country,” he said in a statement in conjunction with the Ponggal festival tomorrow.

Muhyiddin said that Malaysians should remain united to ensure unity among the races that had been forged would not be destroyed.

He wished the Indian community “Happy Ponggal Day” and hoped tomorrow’s celebration would be a beginning for a better future for them.

-Bernama