PM Najib Repeats Government Commitment To Integrate Indian Community Into Mainstream Development Plans

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- In conjunction with Deepavali celebration, Najib Razak repeated the Malaysian government's commitment to fully integrate the Indian community into the mainstream of national development plans. In his Deepavali message, the Malaysian prime minister said the government had also lined up various empowerment programmes in the national development agenda through the Indian Community Socioeconomic Blueprint, which is expected to be launched next year. "May the Festival of Light brings the light of happiness and harmony to all Malaysians. In conjunction with Deepavali celebration this year, let us strengthen our existing good relations and mutual understandings. "I still remember the Deepavali celebration I had when I was small. Along with my mother and father, we visited the houses of our Hindu friends and enjoyed the delicious Indian food, such as thosai, chapati and marukku," he said in his blog NajibRazak.com on Thursday. Hindu devotees around the world will celebrate Deepavali on Oct 29. Najib explained that while the spirit of Deepavali reflects the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness. At the same time, he said the spirit also reflected Malaysia's journey as a multi-racial country in braving through all the challenges so that the people would be able to enjoy peace and harmony. "Happy Deepavali, Deepavali Vaalthukkal," he added. --BERNAMA