KUALA LUMPUR: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah wished Hindus throughout the country a Happy Deepavali.
Their Majesties shared their greetings in a poster on Istana Negara’s Instagram account yesterday.
“May this festival bring the glow of peace, prosperity, happiness and health to all Hindus,” the poster read, reported Bernama.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Deepavali celebration was a path to developing a Madani Malaysia that is respectful and racially harmonious.
“The unity government will ensure the socioeconomic development of every rakyat, more equal wealth distribution and assistance to the needy can be delivered accurately and efficiently.
“I will work to also make sure that the well-being and living standards of the people, especially the Hindu community, are improved and protected,” he said in a statement on Friday.
Anwar also quoted a line from the Tamil classical text, Thirukural, which he said reflects the Madani concept the country is currently on.
“Happiness that stems from ethics or good governance is a true blessing, and joy caused by an unethical attitude is suffering or does not bring sustainable happiness,” he said, quoting the text.
“Happy Deepavali to all Malaysian Hindus,” he added.
Deepavali, a festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness, was celebrated yesterday.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, in his post on Facebook, expressed hope for a more joyous Deepavali celebration this year.
“Let us continue to cultivate a sense of love and mutual respect. May our lives as Malaysians continue to shine for the prosperity of our nation,” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, also on Facebook, said that the harmonious coexistence of the various ethnic and religious communities in Malaysia is something unique that should be preserved.
Communication and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil also extended his wishes for the Hindu community across the country to celebrate this year’s Deepavali joyfully with their beloved families.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said he hoped that this Deepavali would bring the light of joy and prosperity and further enhance the bonds of unity among the diverse communities in Malaysia, spanning different races and ethnicities.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke urged all Malaysians to exercise caution and prioritise safety, especially during travels back to their hometowns.
“As families reunite to celebrate, let us ensure that the roads are pathways of joy, free from the shadows of accidents,” he said on Facebook.
MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said Malaysians should be proud of festivals that were celebrated together.
He wished all Malaysians celebrating the festival of lights a Happy Deepavali.
“May this year’s Deepavali continue to bring abundant light that illuminates our lives.
“This is our pride and identity when we celebrate every festival together with brilliance in a pluralistic society. This is the blessing we are grateful for.
“Happy Deepavali to all Malaysians, especially Hindus,” he said in a Facebook post.
PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan wished all Hindus a Happy Deepavali and a safe celebration.
“Deepavali is a manifestation of our multireligious and multicultural society, with its own attractions and significance in forming Malaysia’s various cultures.
“The celebration of lights symbolises the victory of light over darkness, truth over falsehood and justice over evil,” he said in a statement.
