BUTTERWORTH – Several key Indian leaders in Penang converged last night to mark Deepavali together in a spirit of goodwill for the community during the Festival of Lights.
The leaders of MIC, Makkal Sakti and DAP came together to provide aid to the needy during a charity event at the Sree Mariamman community hall here. They also declared that they stand shoulder-to-shoulder under the Madani national unity government.
Besides handing out aid to the needy for Deepavali, which falls this Sunday, the three parties also underscored the theme of unity.
Penang MIC chairman Datuk J. Dhinagaran, Makkal Sakti president Datuk R.S. Thanenthiran, and Penang state executive councillor Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo of Pakatan Harapan (PH) represented their various parties to spread the message of unity amid the festivities.
Sundarajoo hoped that such a unified stance can also be celebrated by the other communities in the country. At this juncture, it is best that various parties come together to help the nation withstand various external challenges.
Malaysia is besieged with high living costs issues due to imported inflation of items like food, a declining ringgit due to the US Federal Reserve’s fiscal policies on interest rates and supply chain woes, not to mention the effects of the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.
On top of that is the unease between Russia, China, and the US, Thanenthiran noted.
Therefore, it is important for the community to stay united and help Malaysia weather such challenges, Sundarajoo added.
“Only if we are united can we demand for some perks from the government of the day,” Sundarajoo, a former developer, told the audience.
In the 15 years since the landmark street protests in Kuala Lumpur triggered by the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf), the community has been irresolute over how to handle their socioeconomic status.
But now, under the auspices of the Madani unity government, there is a calling to finally come together for the sake of the Indians and the country, Sundarajoo claimed.
He also pledged to help the community to address their concerns on affordable housing, as the matter is part of his portfolio in the state government.
Following the last general election, MIC was given a seat on the state Hindu Endowment Board, which is chaired by Jelutong MP R.S.N. Rayer.
Dhinagaran also welcomed the initiative, saying that as the oldest Indian political party, MIC welcomes any effort to help the community. – The Vibes, November 7, 2023
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