Selangor state assures to safeguard Indian community

SHAH ALAM - The effective approach implemented by the Selangor State Government, especially for the Indian community has been looked into, said Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.

Amirudin spoke on the state administration's committed to assist public Tamil schools financially despite not fully aided government schools.

According said RM5 million out of RM26.5 million from the Selangor state government's funds has been allocated for Tamil schools this year to upgrade school facilities and provide teaching aids, he said.

"Any additional allocations are subject to the needs. I need to discuss with Education Minister, Fadhlina Sidek because national schools also need to be considered and assisted," he said during a media session after a meeting with Indian leaders at the Midlands Convention Centre here, yesterday.

Over 100 representatives from 70 non-governmental organisations were involved in the meeting organised by the Selangor Indian Consultative Council (SICC).

Amirudin said his leadership focuses on resolving root problems to provide the best services for country's multicultural society.

He said the establishment of committees for non-Islamic religious affairs which resolved issues related to unregistered temples in the state.

"Previously, we had numerous issues with unregistered temples. The Selangor government implemented a regularisation process, registering all temples and gazetting them," he said, adding that the move ended disputes or demolitions of temples.

"Some specific cases, such as the Seafield Temple issue, are also in the process of being resolved," he added.

Amirudin further said the excellent performance of the state government in implementing various initiatives has garnered strong support in the upcoming state elections.

He believes the unity government could garner up to 80 per cent of the Indian support.

In other development, Little India Klang at Jalan Tengku Kelana, Klang, will be upgraded to the status of a city, parallel to the recognition of the Klang Municipal Council as a city.

State Elections: Indian voters as the deciding factor

SICC representative, Charles Santiago said Indian voters have the potential to be deciding factor if the voter turnout is high.

"People need to come out and vote to save Malaysia. This is clear... and I feel that at the beginning of the elections, the number (of support) was low but now the support has increased by 75 percent," he added.

"Indian community's votes are crucial. This is a responsibility that needs to be fulfilled," he said.

Santiago said the two more large-scale meetings between the Indian community and Amirudin are expected to be held before the Aug 12 polls to show support for the unity government.

During the first meeting held with 60 Indian community leaders from various segments, they had expressed support for Pakatan Harapan and the leadership of Amirudin and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, he said.