‘No party can claim dominance by belittling role of other parties’

KLANG: No political party can claim it is the most dominant and worthy of being in power by belittling the roles of other parties, said Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

“In this new era, all parties play the same important role and contribute to protect the wellbeing of the people and develop the country.

“Therefore, we must practise a political culture based on understanding, consultation and consensus in finding the best way to protect political stability, defend the people and drive the country’s progress.”

Muhyiddin said in any direction taken by a party, the most important thing would be the interest of the people and the country, not of people or small groups.

“Our focus now is on fighting Covid-19, to ensure that the people receive their vaccines and work towards economic recovery.

“We cannot be distracted by things that cause political instability.

“Whatever that is good for the people and the country should be the guiding principles for any political organisation, including MIC, in deciding the future direction,” he said in his special virtual address at the 74th MIC general assembly here yesterday.

Earlier, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamid also delivered his address virtually as Barisan Nasional chairman after MIC president Tan Sri S.A. Vigneswaran delivered his policy speech.

Present was MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

A total of 440 delegates were present at the hall during the assembly, while another 1,600 attended the event virtually.

Muhyiddin expressed his gratitude to MIC for its support to the Perikatan Nasional government, adding that it was a rational move to ensure the government continued to function well and give its best service to the people, especially in this trying time.

He said the country must focus on moving faster in competing regionally and internationally to attract more foreign investments, boost trade relations and economic growth, provide jobs for the people and increase their income.

“Economic growth, the people’s welfare, unity and good governance are guiding principles that are the foundation of the PN government.

“I believe that if we were consistent with these principles, we will succeed in building an advanced and prosperous nation.”

To achieve this, he said, the government needed the commitment of all, including that of MIC leaders and its members.

He added that as a party, the biggest contribution MIC could make was by prioritising politics of unity for the sake of service to the people, and not divisive politics for self interest.

“I believe that if we are on the same track, we can contribute to the development of the country together, which will bring benefits to all, regardless of race.”

He pledged to continue helping the Indian community through the concept of shared prosperity.

In the 2021 Budget, he said, the government had allocated RM100 million to the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) to help the B40 community and empower them in terms of education.