KUALA LUMPUR: Indians in the country must unite and seize opportunities provided by the government to grow in tandem with the nation's development, Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said.
He said the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has planned various development programmes for all ethnic groups in line with the Malaysia MADANI concept.
"The Indian community must come together under one umbrella to strengthen and empower the community's political influence, ensuring their aspirations and future, especially in improving socioeconomic status," he said in his Deepavali message on Facebook today.
Deepavali will be celebrated by Hindus on Thursday.
He said for the socioeconomic development of the Indian community, the government, through the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, has implemented various initiatives, such as the SPUMI Goes Big financing scheme through TEKUN Nasional and the Bank Rakyat Indian Entrepreneur Financing-i (BRIEF-i).
He noted that other initiatives include Prosperity, Empowerment, and A New Normal (PENN) under Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia and the Business Accelerator Programme for Indian Small Business (I-BAP) through SME Corp, all of which have helped nearly 10,000 Indian entrepreneurs grow their businesses.
"More plans are underway for the Indian community, and I will have regular discussions with the Prime Minister to ensure these plans are implemented systematically and effectively," he said, while also thanking the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, for supporting him in realising plans for the Indian community.
Ramanan said the Indian community has played a vital role in the country's development process, including in government formation and political stability.
In conjunction with the Festival of Lights, the Sungai Buloh MP urged the people to further strengthen inter-ethnic relationships, which are the foundation of the nation's strength and resilience.
"I hope this year's celebration will spark and inspire a sense of 'nambikei' (hope) for new light in the lives, well-being, prosperity, and future of the Indian community in this country.
"For this Deepavali celebration, let us come together, unite and work hand-in-hand to move forward and ensure a brighter future for us all, like the light that illuminates," he said. — BERNAMA