Gerakan president Mah Siew Keong is brimming with pride despite being criticised for being made the minister in charge of the Hindu Endowment Board.
In a statement, the veteran politician said he is "proud to be given the opportunity to serve the Indian and Hindu community.
"It is also a testament to Gerakan's multi-racial and multi-religious commitment to governance and reinforces its credentials as a Malaysians party," Mah added.
The Hindu Endowment Board looks into matters of land, burial grounds, properties and funds for the Hindu community.
Penang Hindu Endowment Board chairperson P Ramasamy said earlier today that letting Mah oversee the board is an "insult" to Hindus as it means there are no eligible Hindus for the job.
MIC sees no issue
However, MIC, which is the largest party representing Indians, sees no problem with the appointment.
"It must be noted that Hinduism is not exclusive to Indians. It is more than a religion. It is a way of life embraced by people of various ethnic backgrounds…," said MIC director of strategy S Vell Paari.
"I am not certain, but Mah himself could be a practising Hindu or perhaps observes certain rituals. Perhaps, he is someone who is familiar with the faith," he added.
Vell Paari (left) said while it is true that those overseeing the board are usually Hindus, Malaysia is moving towards an "era of multiracial politics", so Mah's skin colour or faith should not be an issue.
Besides, he said, Ramasamy, who is also a DAP leader, did not seem to kick up a fuss when the Selangor government appointed PKR representative Dr Xavier Jeyakumar, a Christian, to oversee Hindu temples.
Meanwhile, Mah said he is also gratified to be put in charge of the welfare of Chinese petty traders and hawkers, as he would be able to help improve their livelihoods.
He also oversees the Innovation Unit (Unik), organisations dealing with nuclear energy and the Malaysian Industry Government Group for High Technology (MiGHT).
In a statement, the veteran politician said he is "proud to be given the opportunity to serve the Indian and Hindu community."It is also a testament to Gerakan's multi-racial and multi-religious commitment to governance and reinforces its credentials as a Malaysians party," Mah added.
The Hindu Endowment Board looks into matters of land, burial grounds, properties and funds for the Hindu community.
Penang Hindu Endowment Board chairperson P Ramasamy said earlier today that letting Mah oversee the board is an "insult" to Hindus as it means there are no eligible Hindus for the job.
MIC sees no issue
However, MIC, which is the largest party representing Indians, sees no problem with the appointment.
"It must be noted that Hinduism is not exclusive to Indians. It is more than a religion. It is a way of life embraced by people of various ethnic backgrounds…," said MIC director of strategy S Vell Paari.
"I am not certain, but Mah himself could be a practising Hindu or perhaps observes certain rituals. Perhaps, he is someone who is familiar with the faith," he added.Vell Paari (left) said while it is true that those overseeing the board are usually Hindus, Malaysia is moving towards an "era of multiracial politics", so Mah's skin colour or faith should not be an issue.
Besides, he said, Ramasamy, who is also a DAP leader, did not seem to kick up a fuss when the Selangor government appointed PKR representative Dr Xavier Jeyakumar, a Christian, to oversee Hindu temples.
Meanwhile, Mah said he is also gratified to be put in charge of the welfare of Chinese petty traders and hawkers, as he would be able to help improve their livelihoods.
He also oversees the Innovation Unit (Unik), organisations dealing with nuclear energy and the Malaysian Industry Government Group for High Technology (MiGHT).
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