PETALING JAYA: The multi-billion ringgit allocations set aside to implement the various economic stimulus packages and the 2021 Budget is proof that protecting the people and the country from the health and economic crises brought about by the global Covid-19 pandemic is the government's key priority.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government under his leadership has allocated RM340 billion to roll out the economic stimulus packages for this year and last year as well as RM322.5 billion for the 2021 Budget to battle Covid-19 and revitalise the economy.
He said although the amount has affected the nation's coffers, the measures formulated in the economic stimulus packages and the 2021 Budget are important to protect the lives and livelihood of the people.
"More than RM600 billion is a big sum of money. Although we no longer have as much (funds) as before, it is important to better manage the lives and livelihood of the people (amid the pandemic).
"And this (the allocation) cuts across communities, be they Malay, Chinese, Indians, Sikh, Kadazan or Iban as well as other races and religions. This is because this is a country for all," he said.
Muhyiddin was speaking at a Hi-Tea programme at the Gurdwara Sahib Lorong in Utara (B) here today in conjunction with the Vaisakhi celebration tomorrow.
Also in attendance was Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan, Malaysian Gurdwaras Council president Jagir Singh, Khalsa Diwan Malaysia president Santokh Singh, Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia president Harjinder Singh and Gurdwara Sahib Petaling Jaya president Dalbir Singh.
Muhyiddin said he hoped the Sikh community in the country would continue to support the government by assuming the role of "frontliners" to battle Covid-19 and subsequently help Malaysia overcome the challenges.
Muhyiddin said it was imperative for the people, irrespective race and religion, to embrace the uniqueness of the country which has helped Malaysia progress and transform into a prosperous nation.
He said although Islam is the religion of the Federation, people from other races and religions are free to practise their respective faiths. This, he noted, is enshrined in the Federal Constitution, which would continue be defended and upheld by the PN administration.
He also stressed that the policy adopted and embraced by the PN government is strongly founded on the principles of respect, inclusivity and justice.
"The Vaisakhi celebration is also a symbol of diversity that is celebrated among people from multiracial and multi-religious backgrounds in our country.
"For example, I am a Muslim who is here together with the rest of you from the Sikh community. We are all brothers and sisters together under this beautiful country of Malaysia," he said.
The government, he said, recognises the contributions of the Sikh community towards the country's development.
"The Sikh community in Malaysia has contributed significantly to the development of the country across various fields be it in the economic, social or other sectors such as education, security and sports," he said.
Muhyiddin later announced a RM3 million allocation to help gurdwara nationwide to conduct programmes and activities this year. Last year, the government allocated RM2.18 for 120 gurdwara nationwide.
Muhyiddin also announced RM1 million specifically for the setting up of a Sikh Centre of Malaysia.
"I am aware the amount is not enough. At the same time, I am sure there are also generous people here who love and will spend for the community.
"The next time I come, maybe two or three years down the line, I will able to visit the Sikh Centre of Malaysia that will serve as centre of culture and language apart from religion.
"This shows that the people are free to practise their respective faiths, languages and cultures," he said.