Sabah MIC requests more funds for temples
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah MIC liaison committee chairman Datuk V. Jothi yesterday requested for more funds not just for (Hindu) temples but for other races as well.
He said this should be given due consideration so that everyone would continue to live harmoniously.
Speaking at the 2015 Deepavali Open House held at the Likas Sports Complex near here yesterday, Jothi said there were five temples in Sabah now.
The temples are located in Lokkawi, Luyang, Kota Belud, Sandakan and Tawau.
He then expressed his gratitude to the state government for the allocations given to all temples in Sabah.
“This is testimony that the BN (Barisan Nasional) under the leadership of the Chief Minister (Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman) has a caring attitude and that no race will be left behind,” he said.
He added that there were merely 12,000 to 13,000 Indians in Sabah.
“However, even though we are the minority community, we also receive attention,” he said.
Jothi commented that the country was unique because the Deepavali was celebrated in Sabah and throughout the country with people of all backgrounds and races visiting open houses such as the one organised yesterday.
He also said he went for his prayers at the temple and had asked for the economic situation to be improved and for peace to prevail in Sabah.
“And I also hope we continue to be united and forge our ways ahead for a future that is more excellent,” he said.
The event yesterday was graced by Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and his wife Toh Puan Norlidah R.M. Jasni, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan as well as other state ministers and assistant ministers.
Also in attendance were State Speaker Tan Sri Sukarti Wakiman, Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak and Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau.
More than 3,000 people attended the event which showcased, among others, the culture and dances of the Indian community.
Meanwhile, Jothi urged tourism agencies to lure Indian tourists to come to Sabah.
He said this would help generate the state economy.
Likewise, he also urged people to travel to India and explore the country.
He added that he would be forwarding the proposal to Masidi.