GOVT WILL WORK WITH ANYONE WHO BACKS 1MALAYSIA CONCEPT

SERDANG (Malaysia), Oct 10 (Bernama) -- Acknowledging that the Malaysian
Indian community faces a host of problems, Najib Razak 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 ruling 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.
-- BERNAMA