King, politicians extend best wishes

KUALA LUMPUR: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah have extended Chap Goh Mei greetings to the Chinese community at large.

Their Majesties, in a post on the Istana Negara Facebook, expressed their hope that the festival would bring happiness, prosperity and peace to those celebrating the festival.

Chap Goh Mei falls on the 15th day of the first month according to the Chinese calendar. It is an important festival signifying the end of the new year celebration.

In another post on Istana Negara’s Facebook, Their Majesties also conveyed Thaipusam greetings to Hindus celebrating the occasion, Bernama reported.

Political leaders also took the opportunity to send their wishes to the Hindu community.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the excitement over Thaipusam was a reflection of the “Malaysia Madani” society, which was open and had mutual respect for each other.

He said the occasion was celebrated with joy by millions of Hindus nationwide, from Georgetown in Penang to Batu Caves in Gombak of Selangor.“Celebrate the occasion in harmony and moderation.

“Comply with the rules set by the authorities to ensure that the festival can be celebrated smoothly,” he added.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also the Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister, meanwhile tweeted that he hoped the people would continue to preserve unity, harmony and instil mutual respect, which formed the core of the country’s prosperity and well-being.

Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong also extended wishes to all celebrating Thaipusam.

In a Facebook post, the MCA president said he hoped that the journey of all celebrating would be “filled with peace, happiness, and good health.”

“May Lord Murugan shower you with love, light, and prosperity on this special day,” he wrote.