Bumi status for Indian Muslims in the pipeline

GEORGE TOWN-Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today pledged that the Federal government would look into the plight of the Indian-Muslim community to obtain the Bumiputera status.

Najib said the move reflected the government recognition on the Indian-Muslims community's vast

contribution on the country development, particularly on the economic sector.

He assured that the government would give due consideration on the issue, given that the Indian-Muslim community practises the Islamic and Malay culture in their daily life.

"So, for those who practise these two elements, the government have no problem in granting them the Bumiputera status as stipulated in the Federal Constitution," Najib said during his speech during a Mailudur Rasul gathering organised by the Penang Muslims League at Masjid Kapitan Keling here last night.

Present were his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, state Barisan Nasional chairman Teng Chang Yeow and his deputy Datuk Zainal Abidin Osman and Penang Muslims League Datuk Haja Mohideen Kader.

Najib said the BN government will always look after all Malaysians regardless of their origins and race and as long as they are the citizen of the country.

In his speech, Najib also emphasised that it was paramount for Muslims in the country to stay united

for their survival.

Citing an example, Najib who visited Gaza recently stressed the importance for Fatah and Hamas, the two prominent parties in Palestin to unite.

"I told leaders from both sides that without a unity government, it would be a bleak future for the Palestinians."

'It is the same case in Malaysian multi-ethnic society and especially among the Muslims to learn from

the Prophet Muhammad's success in uniting the Ansar and Muhajirin clans," he said.

Najib later announced a RM2 million contribution to Indian-Muslims non-governmental organisations

and 'madrasah' in the state.

The contribution came from the Indian-Muslims entrepreneurs and would be channeled via the Yayasan Rakyat 1Malaysia soon.

Before concluding his speech, Najib reiterated the Federal government's pledged to build 20,000 units of affordable houses and resolved the plaguing Penang traffic woes while urging the people to return the faith to BN in the next general election.

- New Straits Times