KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob today expressed hope that the Siamese community in the country will use the Songkran festival celebration to further strengthen family ties as well as relationships with friends and neighbours of different races.

In a post on his Facebook page, Ismail Sabri said it is the foundation of prosperity which is the backbone of the Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family) concept.

He also called on Malaysians to pray for the situation to return to normal to enable the Songkran and other festivals to be celebrated in a lively atmosphere as the country is still facing the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This year's Songkran festival is celebrated in an atmosphere where the community still needs to remain vigilant against the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic which has affected the daily lives and economic activities of all Malaysians and the world over.

"May the Siamese community in particular and the entire Keluarga Malaysia, in general, will continue to be in good health at all times. Happy Songkran 2022," he said.


Ismail Sabri said the granting of unrecorded leave to civil servants of Siamese descent in conjunction with the festival was also a privilege for those who have been working together to develop the country.

"Consider this privilege as a recognition to the Siamese community as part of the Bumiputeras in the country," he said.

Songkran festival or Water festival is the Thai New Year that is celebrated for three days starting April 13 every year.

-- BERNAMA