Wednesday November 14, 2012

PM: Deepavali a public holiday in Labuan now

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s announcement to declare Deepavali as a public holiday for the Federal Territory of Labuan was greeted with loud cheers from a huge crowd at a Deepavali celebration in Batu Caves.

“In a symbolic gesture, the Cabinet decided that Deepavali be declared as a public holiday for Labuan as well,” the Prime Minister said at the MIC Deepavali open house celebrations here yesterday.

“Although the number of Hindus in Labuan may be small, they are also entitled to celebrate Deepavali as a public holiday.”

Deepavali is already a national holiday in the other Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

In KOTA KINABALU, an open house that attracted hundreds of people was among the highlight of Deepavali celebrations in the city.

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman and Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin were among those who attended the event organised by Sabah MIC at the Likas Stadium multi-purpose hall.

State MIC chairman Datuk Dr V. Jothi said the open house brought the communities together.

“Deepavali is celebrated with the people regardless of race and religion, and this is what makes Malaysia and Sabah unique in the eyes of the world,” he said.

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