MALACCA, Dec 1 — “This is an aspect I have been looking into in the last four-and-a-half years when I began the process to improve the position of the Indians as the 2008 general election gave signals that the Indian community needed more serious attention from the BN government,” he said.

He said efforts to resolve the problems of the Indian community had been carried out and as a result support from the community to the BN had improved.

As an example, he said, in education, the national average grade (GPN) of Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (National-Type Tamil School) had improved to 2.31 points in 2013 compared to 2.58 in 2010 and it was only 0.04 point away from the GPN of Sekolah Kebangsaan (national schools) this year.

Nonetheless, Najib said he was not satisfied with the achievements made for the Indian community as there was still room for improvement.

“Support of the Indian community has improved, but I feel the support is not overwhelming and that is why I still consider our efforts are a work in progress,” he said.

In this regard, Najib denied that the 2014 Budget only allocated 0.08 per cent from the total of RM264 billion to the Indian community.

He said various allocations through ministries such as housing for the people also involved the Indian community.

“We are not busy raising salaries unlike them (Selangor state government) who claim to be fighting for the people...do not be hypocrites,” he said in reference to the latest salary and allowance hike for the Selangor mentri besar, Speaker, deputy Speaker, state executive councillors and assemblymen of between 87 to 373 per cent. — Bernama