PUTRAJAYA will continue to elevate the Indian community but it will take time, said Prime Minister Najib Razak.

He said the government understands the Indian community wants better economic opportunities and prospects for their children.

“It can’t be done in one or two days, but we will deliver what we promised to all Malaysians.

“This is a work in progress,” he said during the Thaipusam festival at Sri Subramaniar Swamy temple in Kuala Selangor today. 

Najib highlighted the allocation of RM50 million to the Socioeconomic Development of Indian Community Unit as one of the ways the government has helped the Indian community.

He also said RM50 million was allocated for Tekun loans and RM50 million for maintenance and the refurbishment works of Tamil schools.

“I have also launched the Amanah Saham 1Malaysia (AS1M) where 1.5 billion additional units have been allocated for Indians.

“To support this initiative, 100,000 households from the Indian B40 group will be allocated RM5,000 to buy the units without having to pay interest.”

Najib said the government wants to see a structural change in the Indian community.

“It’s about changing attitudes and values and strengthening their core

“These are the challenges we face. I want to ensure the people there is hope with the Barisan Nasional government,” he said. – January 31, 2018.