SHAH ALAM, JAN 18 — Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari has urged the people of Selangor to reject narrow, race-based politics that have recently been played up by certain groups.
“Unfortunately, in recent times, there has been a climate of narrow politics that seeks to divide us along religious and racial lines. Although these matters are clearly outlined in the (Federal) Constitution, irresponsible parties seek to divide us through sentiment.
“This state has lived in peace and harmony based on trust, and I believe these extremists are few in number. They are only seeking short-term gain, but when given the space, they will once again shout slogans of unity,” he said.
Amirudin was speaking during the Selangor-level Ponggal Festival 2026 at Dewan Dato’ Ahmad Razali yesterday. Also present was the state executive councillor for human resources and poverty eradication Papparaidu Veraman.
He added that the celebration of Ponggal, which symbolises gratitude and appreciation, is in line with the Madani government’s approach of returning the nation’s gains to the people.
Various forms of assistance, including increased fuel subsidies, demonstrate more effective governance and have contributed to positive economic growth.
“We are grateful, we are happy, and we return that joy to the people, not merely through impressive figures, but so that everyone can live together in a peaceful and secure environment,” Amirudin said.
Meanwhile, Papparaidu said he was pleased with the strong response, as over 2,000 members of the Indian community from the Klang Valley attended the festival, held for the first time in Ampang.
“We sent invitations to between 1,000 and 2,000 people, but those who came today exceeded that number, including participants from Perak and other areas,” he said.
Ponggal, or the harvest festival, is celebrated by the Tamil community on the first day of the Tamil month of Thai and is observed over four days beginning on Wednesday (January 14).
The word ‘Ponggal’, which means ‘overflowing’, symbolises gratitude, appreciation, and harmony between humans, nature, and other living beings.
