PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim today called on Indian leaders and the community in Negeri Sembilan to support the Pakatan Harapan (PH) state government to ensure the welfare of the community.

He said the state government, led by PH and Barisan Nasional (BN), should be maintained as the state heads to polls.

“This state belongs to all races. It belongs to the Malays, Chinese, Indians, Sabahans and Sarawakians. If people are campaigning saying this is a Malay state, it is wrong,” he said at a meet-and-greet session with the Indian community at Desa Cempaka in Nilai today.

He said it is fine if they want the state to be like Kelantan and Kedah, but they need to remember that the state must progress, the poor must be given attention, and schools and all races must be taken care of.

Anwar said during a recent meeting, he urged the Indian leaders in the country to set aside tensions and ensure the welfare of the community. 

“The first problem is with schools. These are our children’s schools. How many Tamil schools are in a bad state and the toilets out of order? The same goes with Malay schools in the villages. 

“I told the Education Ministry this year – all Tamil or Malay schools must be repaired if they are damaged. If people ask how much the allocation to repair Tamil schools is, (my answer is) just repair them. Whatever type of school needs repair, do it,” he said.

Anwar said as prime minister, he will treat people of all races in the country fairly.

He said all government initiatives, including Rahmah cash contribution, repairs to dilapidated schools, and electricity subsidies, are extended to all races and not aimed at just one race.

Anwar said despite the weakening ringgit and rise in inflation, the country’s investment and economic growth continues to increase and was higher than Indonesia’s or China’s in the first quarter of 2023. – Bernama, June 24, 2023.