Published: Saturday October 17, 2009 MYT 2:46:00 PM
Updated: Saturday October 17, 2009 MYT 5:44:51 PM
PM Najib joins revellers at MIC Deepavali Open House
KUALA LUMPUR: It was the 1Malaysia spirit all around with leaders and the Malaysian public continuing the practice of attending open houses to celebrate Deepavali on Saturday.
The festival celebrated by Hindus saw a joyful atmosphere at the MIC's Deepavali open house held at the Putra World Trade Centre here, which was also attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor as well as Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and wife Puan Sri Norainee Abdul Rahman besides other Cabinet ministers.
MIC president Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu was seen welcoming the arrival of guests numbering some 5,000 city folk at the open house.
Also present were various political leaders including Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin and also leaders from the Opposition.
When met, Samy Vellu said the spirit of unity shown by Malaysians of various ethnic groups and backgrounds was an indicator that the 1Malaysia objective inspired by Najib was showing positive results.
In PENANG, Deepavali was celebrated on a moderate scale but joyfully by Hindus in the state.
At daybreak, they began the celebration with "oil baths", a ritual to purify oneself before offering thanksgiving prayers at nearby temples.
For those with elderly parents living away from their own families, visiting them to get their blessings on Deepavali day is a practice that is encouraged by the religion.
In MALACCA, several MIC leaders also held Deepavali open house to entertain neighbours and friends.
Among them were state MIC chairman Datuk R.Perumal who held his open house at his home in Selandar, Jasin, Malacca MIC deputy chairman S.Mahadevan who held his at his home in Paya Rumput while Alor Gajah MIC Youth chief Datuk R.Ragavan had his at Taman Maju, Jasin.
Among those who visited Perumal were Malacca Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam and Melaka State Assembly Speaker, Datuk Othman Muhamad.
In KELANTAN, Deepavali was also celebrated on a moderate scale but with much joy by Hindus in the state.
Kelantan MIC chief M. Kuppusamy said since Friday, the state MIC had distributed over 300 hampers to needy folk in Kuala Krai and Tanah Merah, where most Hindus in Kelantan live.
In PERLIS, there were no open house programmes by Indian community leaders but at the people-level, there was a flurry of visits to Deepavali open house by the various communities in line with the 1Malaysia spirit.
The fine weather on Saturday was also a boon in ensuring packed open houses.
In SEREMBAN, Negri Sembilan MIC chairman Datuk T. Rajagopalu and deputy chairman V.S. Mogan, who is also a state executive councillor, held their own respective open houses.
Among those who visited their open house were Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and wife Raja Datin Seri Salbiah Tengku Nujumudin.
In SABAH, the day began with the faithful visiting temples before making visits to the homes of friends and relatives.
Sabah MIC will be holding its open house at the multipurpose hall, Likas sport complex in Kota Kinabalu between 11am and 3pm on Sunday.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman is scheduled to attend it.
In PERAK, Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir was among the people from various races who attended the Deepavali open house of Perak MIC chairman Datuk S. Veerasingam in Desa Tambun Indah, Ipoh.
Joining him were Perak state executive councillor Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, Gerakan vice-president Datuk Chang Ko Youn, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Lee Chee Leong and former Perak mentri besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali.
The Barisan Nasional leaders later adjourned to the Deepavali open house held by former Perak MIC chairman Datuk G. Rajoo in Taman Muhibbah, Ipoh.-Bernama
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