World · Malaysia Bureau
Anwar urges Malaysians to embrace diversity during Deepavali
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called on Malaysians to use the Deepavali festival as an opportunity to celebrate cultural differences while reinforcing shared national values. The message comes as the Hindu community prepares to observe the festival of lights across the country.
LSN Malaysia ·
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has urged Malaysians to leverage Deepavali celebrations as a platform for strengthening national unity and bridging communal divides.
In remarks marking the festival, Anwar emphasised that Deepavali serves as more than a religious observance for the Hindu community. Rather, he framed the occasion as a broader opportunity for all Malaysians to acknowledge and appreciate cultural diversity while identifying common ground.
The Prime Minister's call reflects ongoing efforts by the federal government to promote interfaith harmony and national cohesion across Malaysia's multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. Such messaging has become increasingly prominent in recent years as officials seek to reinforce social stability.
Deepavali, also known as the festival of lights, is one of the major celebrations in the Malaysian calendar and holds particular significance for the country's Hindu population. The festival typically draws multi-community participation, with celebrations held across urban and rural areas nationwide.