Ab Rauf: Melaka never neglects welfare of Indian, Chinese communities

MASJID TANAH: Melaka has provided more than RM3 million in assistance to the Indian and Chinese communities through various initiatives over the past three years, demonstrating the state government's continued commitment to looking after the welfare of people regardless of race.

Caretaker Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the state government had never sidelined or neglected any community, with various initiatives and assistance continuing to be provided throughout the year rather than only during election periods.

He said the state government had provided more than RM3 million in assistance to the Indian and Chinese communities before the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly, including festive contributions and welfare aid.

"It is true that Deepavali celebrations this year happen to coincide with the election period. However, assistance to the Indian community, including festive contributions and welfare aid, did not begin only during the election season.

"Instead, we have been providing such assistance continuously over the past three years," he said at a Deepavali celebration organised by MIC in Durian Daun here.

Ab Rauf said that in the Masjid Tanah parliamentary constituency alone, the MeSRA Am (Melaka Sayang Rakyat) assistance scheme had benefited more than 400 recipients, with total allocations amounting to RM4.3 million.

He said every contribution to the community, whether small or large, had value and formed part of efforts to shape the future of Melaka's next generation.