DPM: Govt to ensure Indian community on par with others
PUTRAJAYA: The Government will continue to help the Indian community in economic, education and social sectors, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
“The Government wants the Indian community to be on par in all aspects with other races in the country,” the Deputy Prime Minister stated in his Thaipusam message.
Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said he instructed security forces to be on the alert and ensure public safety during the celebrations today.
“The Thaipusam celebrations at Batu Caves are the biggest in the country and every year, the place transforms into a “Mini India” as it is thronged by hundreds of thousands of Hindus from all over the world.
“It has become an iconic tourism occasion at an international level,” he said.
Dr Ahmad Zahid said the fact that Malaysians could enjoy each other’s festive seasons is a reflection of the country’s diversity and harmony.
“The celebration has also become an opportunity for those selling food, drinks, flowers, souvenirs and accessories, which adds to the vibrancy of the festivities.
“This is the beauty of the multi-cultural society in Malaysia. All religions and cultures can thrive without any restriction.
“The right to freely practise one’s religion is protected under Article 11 of the Federal Constitution,” Dr Ahmad Zahid pointed out.
Meanwhile, Dr Ahmad Zahid announced that a working committee would be formed to sort out overlapping issues and responsibilities of ministries and agencies concerning registered organisations and societies.
He said the move was to ensure that issues affecting groups and associations were dealt with efficiently and also to allow a smooth exchange of information among authorities.
The DPM said the issue was decided during a high-level committee meeting on coordination and monitoring of registered organisations, which was chaired by him.
The meeting was held to iron out issues concerning organisations, particularly on policy, legal issues and enforcement.
“We want to see organisations professionally managed and run.
“One way of ensuring that is to have effective communication among ministries and agencies when dealing with societies,” he said in a statement yesterday.
He said that it is also important for authorities to have continuous engagement with organisations to make sure that laws were adhered to.
To-date, there are 110,524 registered organisations under the purview of different ministries, including the Domestic Trade, Consumerism and Cooperatives; Youth and Sports; and Defence ministries, as well as the Registrar of Societies, National Unity and Integration and legal affairs departments.