Muhyiddin hopes Deepavali will strengthen race relations in Malaysia

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said he hoped the Deepavali celebration will strengthen relations among the races and foster mutual respect towards preserving prosperity and harmony in the country.

He said he also hoped that the Deepavali festival would continue to show the way for the Indian community to improve their livelihood and attain lasting prosperity.

"In this regard, in conjunction with the festival which is not only celebrated by Malaysian Hindus but also the various races in the country, let us pave the way to build a peaceful and rapidly developing Malaysia," he said his Deepavali message here yesterday.

The contributions of the Indian community in the development of Malaysia as well as those of other races were important to the country and the government appreciated each contribution as well as deed by the Indian community in the effort to nurture Malaysia into what it is today, he said.

"The Deepavali festival is a public holiday in Malaysia which is a good opportunity for us to visit each other and appreciate the contributions of the Indian community which has played an important role in the development of this beloved nation.

"I hope the Festival of Light of the Indian community in Malaysia will overcome all darkness which obstruct unity among the various races so that we can enjoy life in harmony in the spirit of tolerance which is important for a multiracial country like Malaysia," he added.