PM-CULTURE 2LST

In his speech, Najib profusely thanked Singh for
bringing the India-Malaysia relationship to greater heights.
The 'Little India' was a project conceived by Najib to
develop and create a new image for the area which for years
has been only known as a kilometre stretch of small shops
peddling Indian film music, Indian clothes and Indian grocery
items.
"This is the cusp of a new beginning, Brickfields
will never be the same as before, we will showcase it to the
world as the new 'Little India'.
However, over the last few months in the first phase
of up gradation of the area, the Brickfields area has been
transformed with the setting up of multi-coloured arches and
ornate lamp posts.
Refurbished at a cost of USD 10 million, the brief
renovation saw all the dreary dull buildings in the area
getting a fresh coat of pale mauve.
The usual huge pinups of Tamil film stars was
Wednesday replaced by posters of Manmohan Singh in his
traditional blue turban and black suit along with Najib.
A mega shopping mall is coming up adjacent to the
little India area and is touted to be the largest ever
shopping mall in Asia. PTI