KUALA LUMPUR: The government has allocated RM2 million towards building an Indian Cultural Centre in Batu Caves.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, announcing this today, said this underlined the government’s commitment to promote Batu Caves as a world-renowned tourist destination.
“The RM2mil allocation is in addition to the RM25 million needed to build the cultural complex,” said Zahid in his speech during his visit to Batu Caves today in conjunction with the Thaipusam celebration.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, commended the unity shown by the nation’s multiracial community during the celebration.
He said it reflected the harmony and respect among the people.
“Indeed, we will continue to respect other religions as provided under Article 11 of the Federal Constitution," he said.
Ahmad Zahid also called on the Tourism Ministry to intensify its efforts to attract more tourists to visit Batu Caves, adding that more funds will be allocated to promote Batu Caves.
At the same time, he urged the Indian community to continue supporting Barisan Nasional (BN) in the coming general election.
This, he said, would ensure that all assistance and allocation to the community can continue to be distributed.
BN, he said, needs the support of the Indian community to win with a bigger majority in the polls.
"Let bygones be bygones.
“We should support BN considering that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has made a lot of changes for the sake of the people,” he said.