Mon, Nov 2 2009 - PORT DICKSON: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday reiterated that there is no such thing as a first or second-class citizen in the country and that all citizens have equal rights.

He stressed that the government would continue to ensure fairness and equality for all as stated in the Federal Constitution and uphold all the principles of the Rukun Negara.

"No Malaysian should feel neglected as every individual, regardless of race or religion and whether he lives in town or the outskirts, enjoys the same rights and privileges.

"There is no segregation of race or status here and there is certainly no such thing as a first or second-class citizen," he said at the national-level Deepavali open house at Ladang Siliau near here.

Muhyiddin called on all people to set aside their differences and heed the prime minister's call to unite as one under the spirit of 1Malaysia.

"We admit that there are some differences among us, but these should not at any point affect our relationships with each other.

"It is time for us to forget our differences and be more understanding towards one another and help each other to further enhance unity and development."

He hoped that one day, Malaysia would become known as a country that had successfully united people of races under one roof.

Muhyiddin, who is also the education minister, said the government was working continuously to bring greater development to the country, including measures to assist the Indian community.

Among these are efforts to increase educational opportunities for Indians and their participation in the public sector.

"We will also assist Indian entrepreneurs through Yayasan Tekun, for which we have allocated RM15 million."

More than 2,000 Indian businessmen are expected to benefit from such loans.

His wife Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and his wife Datin Seri Salbiah Tengku Nujumuddin; Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim; MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu and Bagan Pinang state assemblyman Tan Sri Mohamad Isa Abdul Samad joined more than 10,000 people at the function.

Muhyiddin also called on the people to continue to support the Barisan Nasional government.

"Though there may be some problems and misunderstandings, we have always been able to overcome these and work for the benefit of the people.

"There is still plenty to be done... We must work hard together to preserve what we have for ourselves and the future generations."