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KUALA LUMPUR: The Selangor government will pay RM2,000 for the funeral expenses of Selangor residents above 60 years of age, regardless of race or religion.
But Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo said only people who had stayed in the state for 15 years are qualified to receive the aid.
The assistance will also be available to families of the disabled, regardless of age.
Dr Khir said the benefit was the state's way of repaying the people for helping Selangor achieve encouraging economic growth.
"This is one way of saying thanks to the people for helping the state prosper," he said when launching the fund at Dewan Beringin, Taman Seri Gombak.
A sum of RM1 million had been allocated to the fund, with the state government committing to annual allocations.
In the event of a death, relatives should obtain a form from the nearest district or state assemblyman's office.
The form should be submitted along with the death certificate, proof of kinship, a copy of the applicant's identity card or disabled persons registration card to the district office.
Proof of residence is also needed from a state assemblyman, village headman, chairman of the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK), mosque supervisor or housing estate chairman.
The scheme was approved in November by the Selangor state assembly.
"Selangor has been achieving strong economic success with a growth rate of 6.3 per cent compared with the federal growth rate of six per cent.
"With this increase in revenue, more programmes can be carried out in the state."
Dr Khir said the state had also received RM201 million in tithes last year.
"When I first became MB, I told state religious authorities that I wanted to target RM40 million in tithes annually and they said it was impossible.
"Now our tithe collection is three times more than in the Federal Territories.
"This is a blessed state. I believe in the concept that if you are willing to give, then you will get even more in return," he added.
He has sent copies to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (photo), Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo, MIC president S Samy Vellu and PPP president M Kayveas. 
While some might find this amusing, others have condemned it as being nothing more than meretricious politics. 
The notice also stated that Samy Vellu had 'passed away in embarrassment' after witnessing the Nov 25 rally organised by the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf). 
Meanwhile, Palanivel condemned the 'funeral prayer' notice when asked to comment on the distribution of such material. 
"Even animals would not do such things, these are people who do not know the Indian culture. If they are true Hindus, they would not do such things," he told Malaysiakini. 
"It is very unbecoming of people to stoop so low for their own political agenda. This is the work of politically bankrupt and mentally unstable elements," he told Malaysiakini.
