DAP’s RSN Rayer has urged the Indian community to forgive Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for his past remarks on Hindu temples, describing Anwar’s recent apology as the hallmark of “a true statesman”.
The Jelutong MP said Anwar publicly apologised during an event in Negeri Sembilan yesterday and even placed his hands together as a gesture of sincerity.
“The prime minister has clearly offered an honest, conscientious and sincere apology. An attribute befitting a true statesman and deserving commendable admiration,” Rayer said in a statement.
He added that the apology reflected Anwar’s appreciation for the Indian community’s long-standing support for the Reformasi movement, in contrast to opposition leaders whom he accused of making divisive remarks about the Indian and Chinese communities.
“It is time to forgive and forget, and realise that the prime minister has been magnanimous in his apology and that Madani is our only hope and way forward,” he said.
Highlights government initiatives for Indian community
Rayer also pointed to several initiatives introduced under the Madani government that he said had benefited the Indian community.
These include increased allocations for the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit, RM76 million in grants for AIMST University and RM20 million for Tafe College.
He also said the government had allocated RM200 million for the maintenance of non-Muslim places of worship and expanded matriculation opportunities for high-performing Indian students.
According to Rayer, the appointments of Gobind Singh Deo and R Ramanan to the federal Cabinet also demonstrated the government’s commitment to ensuring Indian representation.
Anwar acknowledges mistake over temple remarks
Yesterday, Anwar apologised for previously using the term ‘kuil haram’ (illegal temples), acknowledging that it was a mistake.
He also stressed that no old Hindu temples had been demolished under his administration.
Anwar further announced that he would personally oversee matters affecting the Indian community, while Human Resources Minister R Ramanan would continue implementing government-approved programmes.
