Kota Kinabalu: Some 1,350 people joined Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and other State leaders at the Majlis Ramah Mesra Deepavali at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Sunday.
Hajiji said Deepavali was an important celebration as it also commemorates the harmony and unity that exists within Malaysia’s multi diversities.
“In Malaysia, a country comprising various ethnicities, we greatly appreciate this (diversity), and this is why we celebrate this meaningful festivity. I wish a Happy Deepavali to all, especially the Indian community and Hindu practitioners in Malaysia, particularly Sabah,” he said.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Ariffin Arif and Sabah Indian Chamber of Commerce President Datuk V. Jothi.
Jointly organised by the State Government and the Chamber, the celebration also saw two cheques worth RM3,000 being presented to the Sabah Society for the Blind and Jireh Home Tuaran.
Earlier, Jothi accompanied Hajiji to light the kuthu vilakku (brass lamp) in conjunction with the occasion.
Jothi said the celebration was a testament to Sabah’s unity amidst diversity.
“This shows our country’s uniqueness. We hope to continue celebrating festivities together this way,” he said.
He also commended the State Government for being considerate to all races and communities in Sabah, as proven by the effort to organise the celebration.
“Even though Indians are a minority in Sabah, the State Government still cares (for this community) and for all races. There is not one race that is marginalised,” he said.
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