PM on charm offensive at Batu Caves

“The lights you see among the crowd, the railings were all contributions by the government,” said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in his speech to the massive crowds (pictured) gathered at Batu Caves. — Picture by Jack Ooi

By Neville Spykerman - The Malaysian Insider

BATU CAVES, Jan 29 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak went all out to win over Hindu devotees, and by extension voters from the Indian community, at Batu Caves tonight in his second visit to the temple since becoming Prime Minister.

“During my first visit on Aug 9 last year, I promised to return on Thaipusam as a mark of respect to the Indian Community,” said Najib in his remarks to the thousands of devotees and tourists gathered at the iconic temple grounds.

He also pointed out that he was accompanied tonight by members of his Cabinet and well as his wife, Datin Sri Rosmah Mansor, in an attempt to show the importance his administration places on the Indian community.

After being Barisan Nasional’s vote bank for years, many Indians voted abandoned it for Pakatan Rakyat (PR) parties in the last national polls.

Najib’s visit tonight climaxed with a spectacular fireworks display and he pointed out that both his late father Tun Abdul Razak Hussein and Tun Hussein Onn had also visited Batu Caves during Thaipusam and he was continuing this tradition.

The prime minister’s visit to Batu Caves tonight on the eve of Thaipusam is especially significant as BN needs to win over the Indian community, many of whom could be swing voters in tightly contested seats at the next general elections.

In his speech Najib reiterated his government’s commitment to his 1 Malaysia vision and reminded the crowd of the numerous contributions made to the Indian community including the funding of Tamil schools, training of Indian youths and even the upgrade of the Batu Caves temple.

He pointed out that the infrastructure at Batu Caves was in poor condition during his last visit and he had asked his Cabinet to allocate RM3.6million to upgrade facilities.

“The lights you see among the crowd, the railings were all contributions by the government.”

More importantly the Umno president acknowledged the nation’s diversity and pointed out that its pillar is respect other faiths.

This acknowledgement comes in the wake of the desecration of two Mosques and recent attacks on Churches and a temple, following a High Court ruling which sanctioned the use of word “Allah” by Christians.

The ruling has angered many Muslims.

Najib pointed out that even the Prophet Mohamed respected other faiths and true Islam forbade the desecration of places of worship.

He added that his government would uphold the true principles of Islam.

He said although there may be differences of opinion but it was important for Malaysians to appreciate and respect one and another.

Najib also spoke about his recent visit to India, where he was warmly welcomed by the Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh and revered Tamil Nadu Chief Minister “Kalaignar” M. Karunanidhi in Chennai, who Najib described tonight as an icon and legend.

“He told me he believes Indians are fairly treated in Malaysia,” said Najib, who added that he assured the Indian leaders that this would continue.

He added that he had to visit Tamil Nadu and Chennai because 85 per cent of Indians originate from there.

“I had to visit because it’s a recognition of the roots of Indians, in Malaysia.”

He pointed out that India was a great nation and civilization, with a long history of interactions with Malaysia and both nations were moving towards stronger economic ties.

Najib who arrived at 9.10pm was welcomed by temple president Datuk N.Nadarajah who in his speech labelled Najib “The Father of 1 Malaysia”.

There was a heavy police presence and red helmeted Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) personnel were seen escorting him to the temple’s information complex where seats were prepared on the second floor.

With him on the visit were Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil and Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon.

Among the MIC leaders at the temple were president Datuk Seri Samy Vellu, Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam and Federal Territories Deputy Minister Datuk M.Saravanan

Also in attendance was Selangor police chief Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar.