THE state government is looking forward to work together with the Gujaratis to transform Penang into an international and intelligent state.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Gujarati community in Penang plays an important role in the economic development of the state.
“The Gujaratis and other North Indian communities have a very long history in Malaysia and are believed to have arrived at the shores of Penang back in the 19th century.
“The Gujaratis are a peaceful, hardworking and business-oriented community; living peacefully with the other Indian communities and ethnic groups in this country,” Chow said in his speech during the Penang Gujarati Association’s Festival of Lights Diwali Dinner at Gurney Hotel in George Town today.
Chow urged the various communities to work together with the Penang government to make the state cleaner, greener, safer and healthier; or in short, a better state to live in, study, work and play.
“We will continue to work hard to improve the economy, which will in turn, provide new jobs especially in knowledge-based industries,” he said.
Penang Gujarati Association president Datuk Taizoon H.Teybkhan said the event attracted over 160 guests from the Gujarati community.
“The first annual dinner was held 30 years ago,” he said, adding that it is important for the younger generation of Gujaratis to know more about their culture and tradition.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy and Chow’s wife Tan Lean Kee.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix and video by Law Suun Ting