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BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Tue.:

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi would like to wish all Malaysian Hindus a Happy Deepavali which falls on Thursday. 

He hopes the festival will be celebrated and shared with families and friends of all races. In a statement to Bernama, Abdullah said Deepavali, a day to rejoice for all Malaysians, will be celebrated in a uniquely Malaysian way. "It is a time when we offer our best wishes to friends and families celebrating this Festival of Light, as Deepavali provides value to our diverse multi-ethnic society. "It is therefore an asset that we should all cherish and by doing so, it reflects our religious tolerance and moderation, besides being an important and exceptional hallmark that should be protected at all costs," he added.

In line with the spirit of togetherness in ushering in festive periods, the prime minister said Malaysians should respect one another's right to freely practise religious customs in their respective places of worship. "Indeed, the many diverse religious festivals and customs collectively form the rich cultural fabric of Malaysia, known the world over. "Preserving and protecting is part and parcel of our shared broader goals of achieving stronger integration, and a more robust national unity," said Abdullah. He urged all Malaysians to give and take and to always put the interest of the country ahead of any narrow communal objectives. "I look forward to this Deepavali as it will once again showcase the generous and whole-hearted Malaysian gesture of opening our doors and welcoming all who might visit," he added.

Meanwhile, MIC president Datuk Seri Samy Vellu, in his message, said the party, through the Barisan Nasional government, would seek long-term and long-lasting solutions to problems faced by the Indian community and continue to protect its interest. The party had never wavered from its original struggle, he said. "The Indian community has acknowledged that only the Barisan Nasional government can ensure its well-being, and the MIC will relentlessly pursue its struggle within this (Barisan)," he said. The Works Minister said there were many issues facing the Indian community which needed urgent attention and solution. "We need to look at them in a holistic manner, and at the bigger picture. "Whatever we do must not cause inconvenience to another party. There should be mutual respect and understanding in resolving all problems," he said. The MIC president said the Barisan Nasional's practice of consensus and consensus building was the best formula to be adopted in resolving any problem.

MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said Deepavali this year was more meaningful as the country was also celebrating its 50th anniversary of independence. "One of the meanings of this celebration is that darkness has turned to light, reflecting the state of development of our country as a result of our concerted effort after 50 years of independence," Ong, who is Housing and Local Government Minister, said in a statement.

MIC deputy president Datuk G. Palanivel, in his message, urged Malaysian Indians to celebrate the festive occasion with their families, bearing in mind that family ties must be renewed and fostered. "For those travelling, please be careful on the roads. Don't make this festive occasion a sad event. Follow traffic rules and take your time during the travel," he added. Palanivel, who is Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister, also said that he would not be holding Deepavali open house on Thursday. "My Deepavali open house will be held in December in Batang Kali, Hulu Selangor. The date, venue and time will be announced at a later date," he added.