KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, conveyed Vaisakhi and Tamil New Year greetings to the Malaysian Sikh and Tamil communities.
On his official Facebook page, the King emphasised that tolerance and mutual respect have always been the pillars of national unity.
“As I have asserted before, multicultural unity is the most meaningful gift to me. Harmony and the spirit of unity among the people, regardless of religion or race, are crucial for the stability of the country,” Sultan Ibrahim said yesterday.
The King also expressed hope that Vaisakhi Day and Tamil New Year would continue to bring joy to those who celebrate them, Bernama reported.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also extended Tamil New Year, Vaisakhi and Vishu greetings to all Tamil, Sikh and Malayalee communities in Malaysia.
He prayed that this year will continue to bring the rays of joy and prosperity to everyone celebrating the festivals.
“Continue to foster the spirit of unity that is the pillar of our nation’s strength,” he said in a Facebook post.
Sikhs will celebrate Vaisakhi today, which marks the establishment of the Khalsa order by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th Sikh Guru in 1699.
Chithirai Puthandu, the Tamil New Year, is celebrated every year on the first day of the Tamil solar calendar.
Meanwhile, Vishu is the Malayalee New Year.
