KLANG (Nov 15): Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari has reminded people in the state to be discerning and not be easily swayed by attempts from certain quarters to undermine racial harmony for narrow political interests.

He said when opponents can no longer match the state government's administrative performance and welfare track record, divisive sentiments are deliberately stoked to divide society.

"For them, the final weapon to bring us down [in Selangor] is to divide us irresponsibly. They will say the Indians are victims, the Malays will lose power, and that the Chinese supposedly cannot do business.

"We will continue to defend cultural diversity and uphold the dignity of all races and religions," he said when speaking at the 2026 Selangor state-level Deepavali celebration at Dataran Klang @ Padang Chetty here on Saturday.

State Local Government and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim and Klang MP V Ganabatirau also attended the event, which drew more than 5,000 local residents.

Meanwhile, Amirudin said the state administration is also focusing on future technology development and human capital through various schemes and programmes announced in the 2027 Selangor Budget tabled yesterday.

"Our vision to make Selangor the best in Malaysia and the region will be disrupted if we are easily dragged into, confused, or sidetracked by things that provoke anger and cause harm.

"We view ourselves with confidence, not fear, and we want to build this state with strong and deep unity among one another, rather than widening differences and stoking anger," he said.

Meanwhile, State Human Resources and Poverty Eradication Committee chairman V Papparaidu said Selangor's economy continues to record encouraging growth, with its gross domestic product (GDP) projected to reach RM489 billion this year.

Papparaidu, also co-chairman of the Selangor Special Committee on Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (Limas), said the achievement reflects prudent financial management and stable administration in long-term planning, noting that the state's Consolidated Fund reserves had risen to RM5.121 billion as of Nov 11.

"However, the true success of a state is not measured solely by economic growth figures and financial strength, but by the extent to which the people can feel that progress," he said in his speech text read out by Ganabatirau.

Earlier, Amirudin presented aid to national-type Tamil schools (SJKT) in Selangor with an allocation of RM5 million, RM2.012 million for houses of worship under Limas, and equipment assistance to 200 recipients under the Selangor Indian Entrepreneur Development Initiative (i-SEED).

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