Malaysia Embraces Help for Its Students

Malaysia's national development company has awarded grants totalling 750,000 ringit to economically weak students from the ethnic Indian community to enable them pursue university degrees.

Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak assured the community of his government's support as he presented 15,000 ringgit ($4,565) each to 50 students who excelled in their high school exams.

"Wherever you are, wherever you come from, you are not alone. We (the Government) are here for you," he said.

The grants totalling $228,275 (750,000 'ringit) have been given out by the 1Malaysia Development Berhad, a state-owned strategic development firm, to poor ethnic Indian students for their studies.

"Poverty is no hindrance if the mind and spirit are strong enough to achieve success," said Najib, the chairman of the 1MDB board of advisers, after presenting the grants in conjunction with a Sri Murugan Centre (SMC) event here.

He also said that he was touched by a Tamil song called Acam Acam Ilai (I Have No Fear) which was performed at the event.

"The lyrics say that 'I have no fear, no trace of hidden grudges, our time has come, times have changed, hope has arrived for a better future," he said.

Najib said the song was meaningful as it emphasized the need to shed the culture of fear to brave the challenges of the future.

The SMC, a non-government organisation that provides tutorial and guidance to children from poor households over the last 28 years, handpicked the most deserving students from 423 applications.

"Poverty of spirit and mind is the worst kind of poverty," Najib said.

He also praised SMC director M Thambirajah for helping guide Indian students from poor households.

"SMC is a shining example of a volunteer body that has provided sterling service to the Indian community," he said.

Najib said he would work with SMC for the benefit of the Indians and called on all Malaysians to work together to build a new Malaysia.

"This is our home. This is the country we live for, a country that we will all die for. Together we must work to make this country stronger and more prosperous," he said.

To tap Malaysia's potential to the maximum, he said, equitable opportunity must be given to the best talent from every community especially those from poor families.