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KUALA LUMPUR: Harvest a good future through unity.

That, in essence, is Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu's Ponggal message to Malaysians, especially those of Indian origin. As unity is the key to a good future, the MIC president urged them to be united and strengthen their ties to work as a team, and with one voice.

"We must not allow ourselves to become tools of those who wish to split the community for their own agenda," Samy Vellu, who is also works minister, said yesterday.

Ponggal (Harvest Festival), which will be observed by Malaysian Hindus today, is a celebration to thank God for a good harvest and offer gratitude to nature.

"There are many more things to be done, many more challenges to overcome. So, let us unite for the good of everyone. Unity is our strength. "When we speak with one voice, we will achieve our goals. When we act with one determination, nothing can stop us from fulfilling our dreams," Samy Vellu said in a statement.

In this context, he added, the MIC would continue to safeguard the rights and interests of all Indians in the country, and "we will never fall because we know the people are behind us".

He said the largest Indian-based political party in the country would not bow to any pressure from any quarters because it believed that its sole existence is for the well-being of Malaysians of Indian origin. "We will continue to fight for the betterment of our community and nation. This is our pledge, this is our mission and this is our destiny," added Samy Vellu.

Meanwhile, MIC deputy president Datuk G. Palanivel, in his Ponggal message, urged Malaysians of Indian origin to work hard and strive for a better future, not just for themselves but also for the future generation. "You can only reap what you sow…if we work hard now, then this hard work will be translated into greater benefits and these benefits are not only for us, but the future generation, as well."

Palanivel said Indians came to this blessed country not hoping that someone would give them "free money", but to work hard and create a better future for themselves and future generations. "They believed in this principle. They did well and we are now enjoying a good life, but we must strive harder to create a better future for our children. "Apart from this, they also transplanted the Indian culture and traditions to this soil.

"Ponggal is such a festival brought by our forefathers to this land. All our festivals have taken deep root in this country, and let us continue celebrating these festivals as our forefathers did," said Palanivel, who is also women, family and community development deputy minister.

People's Progressive Party president Datuk M. Kayveas called on the Indian community to utilise opportunities provided by the government to uplift their standard of living. He said the community should not depend on others for assistance to succeed but instead be able to capitalise and seize the chances available. Kayveas advised Indians in the country to be wary of parties taking advantage of the situation on the pretext of championing the rights of the community. — Bernama