Petaling Jaya: The country is on track towards ensuring a better future for the people with the country's transformation programmes already showing results and rapid growth, says Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister said the Government would do all it could to ensure that all Malaysians, including the Indian community, would have better incomes and quality of life for the current and future generations.

"This commitment is in line with the spirit of 1Malaysia where no one under the Malaysian sky will be left behind in the development and progress of our country," he said in his Deepavali message on his 1Malaysia blog.

"Malaysia's best times are ahead of us," he said. "To scale those great heights of progress and prosperity, we must all unite behind the vision of a just, fair and successful country."

Najib said Deepavali, which signifies victory of light over darkness, reflected Malaysia's journey over the past 55 years.

"Our journey to where we are now as a major developing nation on course to becoming a high-income developed nation has seen us overcome many obstacles.

"Our forefathers and the generations that followed worked together as one in fighting against the darkness and the challenges so that all Malaysians may enjoy better lives," he said, adding that throughout the journey, the Indian community had played a pivotal role recognised and cherished by all.

"On the occasion of Deepavali this year, I want to take the opportunity to thank the community for its selfless contribution towards building a safe, peaceful and prosperous Malaysia," he said.

The Prime Minister said while the Indian community took part in nation building, it also faced numerous challenges.

"I am well aware of the problems and that is why we have implemented many specific measures to address them," he said.

"We have been consistent in delivering realistic and responsible promises as we do not believe in promising the impossible just to gain power and popularity," he said.

Najib said the initiatives and efforts to uplift the community would not have been successful without the "nambikei" (trust) between the Government and the people.

"I cannot do this alone," he pointed out. "Only with the support and trust of the Indian community, and all other communities, can we make this journey a meaningful and successful one."

MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel urged those travelling back to their hometowns to exercise great care.

"We wish all Malaysians and Hin-dus a very happy Deepavali," he said.