Thaipusam: Najib repeats ‘nambikei call’

The premier also says the government is committed to continuing its efforts to uplift the Indian community.

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has repeated his call for the Indian community to give him “nambikei” (trust), ahead of the 13th general election.

“As you pray for a better life, I want all Malaysian Hindus to know that the government is committed to continuing its efforts to uplift the Indian community.

“We will stand by you and work together towards overcoming the challenges you face and achieving the success you strive for.

“With continued ‘nambikei’ between the government and the people, we will surely achieve all that we have set out to do for the Indian community and indeed, for our country,” he said via a greeting message posted on his blog.

Najib was not present at the Thaipusam celebrations today.

His deputy Muhyiddin Yassin last night visited Batu Caves and announced more funds for vernacular schools next year.

Najib first called Indians to trust (nambikei) him last Thaipusam when he addressed thousands of Hindu devotees who flocked to the temple.

“If you help me, I’ll help you. You trust me, I trust you. Nambikei [trust] between all of us; Malaysia will prosper, Indians will prosper, all races can go forward,” he reportedly said.

However, detractors including Hindraf and the opposition have since poured scorn on Najib, saying that the Barisan Nasional government was not fit to seek the community’s trust due to its track records.

With the general election looming and the Indian votes still split, Najib has brought up the nambikei concept again in an attempt shore up his government.