Malaysian Thais Not Marginalised

Nazri: Malaysian Thais not marginalised (The Star, 2-1-2007)

SUNGAI PETANI: Malaysians of Thai descent are not marginalised even though they are a minority group, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz.

“The Government has ensured that their culture and language are preserved and protected,” he said when opening the Malaysian Siamese Association general meeting here last Sunday night.

“(But) they must also show their patriotism to this country,” said Nazri, who is the patron of the association.

Malaysians of Thai descent make up about 60,000 of the nation’s 25 million people.

Nazri said the community participated in the mainstream of development and benefited from the nation’s socio-economic development.

He added that the Government would continue its practice of appointing an association leader as a senator.

“PSM must be strengthened by recruiting more members. The Government will continue to assist the community to uplift its education and socio-economic status.” – Bernama