KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2 — MIC has submitted an application for a two-day public holiday for Deepavali to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Its president, Datuk Seri G. Palanivel, said Najib, in an immediate reaction, had said that further discussions on the matter would be done with the relevant quarters.
“He (Najib) will discuss it first with the relevant quarters before announcing the decision,” Palanivel told reporters after attending the 2013 MIC Deepavali Open House in the compound of Batu Caves Temple here today.
Palanivel, however, did not divulge when the application was submitted.
The open house was also attended by Najib and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and his wife Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman.
Palanivel, who is also the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, was reported to have said on Wednesday that as a national event celebrated by not only the Indians and the Sikh community in the country but all races, the government should consider declaring two days to enable the festival to be celebrated on a larger scale.
Commenting on the Deepavali celebration today, Palanivel said the presence of thousands of visitors representing numerous backgrounds, religions and communities was proof that the harmonious spirit among Malaysians would continue to thrive.
Meanwhile, Putera MIC national coordinator P. Kamalanathan regarded the traditional open house for every religious festivity in the country as an important nerve in the backbone of Malaysia’s strength.
“We see leaders turning up to join the people in such celebrations. This surely is the uniqueness which gives strength to Malaysia to stay peaceful and harmonious,” said Kamalanathan who is also deputy education minister. — Bernama
