SELANGOR'S ambition to strengthen its position as Malaysia's leading economic powerhouse and a regional player could be derailed if racial divisions are allowed to undermine social cohesion, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said.
He said attempts to exploit racial sentiments for political mileage were being used by opponents unable to challenge the state government's administrative performance and welfare record.
Amirudin said such tactics sought to create fear among the Indian, Malay and Chinese communities by portraying them as victims, politically threatened or economically marginalised.
"For them, the last weapon to bring us down is to divide us through irresponsible actions. They will say the Indian community is being victimised, Malays will lose power and Chinese cannot do business.
"We will continue to defend our cultural diversity and uphold the dignity of all races and religions," he said at the 2026 Selangor-level Deepavali celebration at Dataran Klang @ Padang Chetty in Klang.
He said unity was essential to ensuring Selangor remained focused on its development priorities, including future technology and human capital development initiatives outlined in the Selangor 2027 Budget tabled yesterday.
"We view ourselves with confidence, not fear, and want to build this state through strong and deep-rooted unity, rather than widening differences and stirring anger," he said.
More than 5,000 people attended the celebration, which was also attended by state Local Government and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim and Klang MP V. Ganabatirau.
Meanwhile, state Human Resources and Poverty Eradication Committee chairman V. Papparaidu said Selangor's gross domestic product was projected to reach RM489 billion this year.
He said the state's Consolidated Fund reserves had also risen to RM5.121 billion as at Nov 11, reflecting prudent financial management and administrative stability.
"However, the true success of a state is measured not merely by economic growth figures and financial strength, but by how far its progress is felt by the people," he said in a speech read out by Ganabatirau.
Earlier, Amirudin presented RM5 million in assistance to Tamil national-type schools in Selangor, RM2.012 million to houses of worship representing five religions, and equipment assistance under the Selangor Indian Entrepreneur Development Initiative (i-SEED) to 200 recipients. - November 15, 2026
