THE Indian community in Sabah has contributed much and is an important part of society, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said in the pre-Malaysia period, Indians arrived as police, armed forces and civil servants under British colonial rule, and after the formation of the federation of Malaysia, arrived as teachers, doctors, engineers, traders and businessmen.
“Many can fondly recall being taught by Indian teachers in school, being treated by Indian doctors and so on, up to this day,” he said in his speech at the Sabah Indian Association’s 75th-anniversary celebration at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).
In expressing his gratitude to be invited as the guest of honour and to be part of the celebration, he said the Indians contributed to the early infrastructural, healthcare and educational development in Sabah, to name a few.
“They continue to do so in various aspects of the economy and nation-building. These contributions will never be forgotten and Sabah is so much the better for their presence,” he said.
Hajiji said the Sabah Government appreciates all that the Indian community has contributed to the development and well-being of Sabah and its people over the decades, and will continue to support the community in whatever way possible.
Meanwhile, Hajiji received a courtesy call from India’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, B.N Reddy, at his office in Menara Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu, on Dec 6.
During the meeting, Hajiji and Reddy held a discussion on closer bilateral relations and cooperation between Sabah and India, especially through trade and commercial cooperation.
This was Reddy’s second courtesy visit to Hajiji, who is also State Finance Minister.
He also attended the Sabah Indian Association (SIA) 75th-anniversary celebration in Kota Kinabalu on Dec 4.
Meanwhile, the Government of India has decided to reinstate its e-Visa system for Malaysians with immediate effect.
A statement issued by the Indian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday said the restoration of the e-Visa system for Malaysians applies to all sub-categories, length and number of entries.
Malaysians who want to visit India can now do so by using the e-Visa service which can be accessed via https://www.indianvisaonoline.gov.in.
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