Government Will Work With Anyone Who Backs 1Malaysia Concept

SERDANG, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- Acknowledging that the Malaysian Indian community faces a host of problems, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Saturday vowed to work with anyone, be they political parties or non-governmental organisations, which back his 1Malaysia concept, to alleviate the shortfalls faced by the community.

"There are some serious problems in respect of the Indian community and these are genuine problems which need to be addressed. We will work with all, political parties in and outside of the Barisan Nasional (BN) including non-governmental organisations.

"The problems have been with us for a long time and it would take a huge effort to make a difference in resolving these problems. These problems include poverty, higher standard of education at Tamil schools, squatters and creation of business opportunities for Indians," the prime minister told reporters after launching the Malaysian Makkal Sakti Party (MMSP) here.

In alleviating these problems, Najib, who is also the Barisan Nasional (BN)chief, said all parties and not only the community must work and understand each other better.

He stressed that the 1Malaysia concept propounded by him was the best way to achieve this as it promoted harmony among all races living in this country.

He also said that while there were pockets of Indians who were anti-establishment, bent on creating problems and raising uncessary issues, this was not reflective of all Malaysian Indians.

"The majority of the people want the harmony among races to be maintained. They want progress and this is what they will get as long as they believe in the government of the day and the 1Malaysia concept," he said.

Asked if these smaller political parties like MMSP would be allowed into the ruling coalition, he said that would be up to the BN supreme council.

"But whatever it is, these people support the BN except that they are not members of the coalition," he added.

Najib also brushed aside speculation that he had instigated the formation of the MMSP despite having the MIC, touted as the largest Indian-based political party in the country, in the BN fold.

"Makkal Sakti was not formed on my instigation but eventually it would be good for these (Indian-based political parties) to consolidate. The formation of this party is probably the political evolution for Indians in the country," he added.

"I do not want to say whether the MIC failed or succeeded (in assisting the community)...but it is the choice of the Indians (formation of MMSP). What is important is that they support the government," said Najib.

Asked if MMSP would be BN's trump card in winning back the support of the community, which deserted the BN at the 2008 general election, Najib said it was not up to him to say if the newly launched party would be BN's trump card in facing future general elections.

"But Makkal Sakti has brought a lot of support and we hope it can attract more support. On their inclusion into the BN we will discuss that later. It is up to the BN supreme council. Whether they are in or out (of the BN), we are willing to work together and that is the most important thing," he added.