KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, extended their best wishes for Vaisakhi and Tamil New Year to the Sikh and Tamil communities in the country.
The wishes were shared via Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s Facebook page.
His Majesty expressed hope that the celebration will continue to strengthen the spirit of unity, harmony and mutual respect between races and religions in the country.
Sultan Ibrahim said Malaysia is a multiracial, multireligious and multicultural country that exists in an atmosphere of peace and harmony.
His Majesty said harmony among the people regardless of religion and race is the pillar of the country’s prosperity.
“May this year bring joy, happiness and prosperity to all who celebrate it,” said His Majesty, Bernama reported.
Vaisakhi is celebrated by the Sikh community to mark the beginning of a new year in the Sikh calendar while the Tamil New Year or Puthandu is celebrated by the Tamil community as the beginning of a new year in the Tamil calendar.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also extended Chithirai New Year, Vaisakhi and Vishu greetings to the Tamil, Sikh and Malayalee communities in the country.
“In this spirit, let us continue to preserve unity with full awareness and responsibility so that Malaysia remains steadfast as a prosperous and harmonious nation.
“The diversity we inherit is the foundation that binds us together in a shared bond, with a spirit of mutual respect, understanding and strengthening,” the Prime Minister added in a Facebook post.
Vishu, which will be celebrated today by the Malayalee community, marks the beginning of the Malayalam calendar year and symbolises renewal and prosperity.
In his message, National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang said unity must begin at home.
“The new year symbolises a fresh beginning filled with inspiration, hope and determination. This is the time for us to renew our resolve, strengthen humanitarian values and nurture a stronger spirit of unity in our daily lives,” he said.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the Vaisakhi celebration is based on the values of courage, equality and determination to defend truth.
According to him, the celebration is not only related to the harvest season but also symbolises the strength of identity, unity and spirit of the Sikh community.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the simultaneous celebration of Chithirai Puthandu, Vaisakhi and Vishu is not just a celebration of the new year for the Tamil, Sikh and Malayalee communities but also a symbol of unity, cultural richness and strengthening of identity.
Meanwhile, the vibrant spirit of Vaisakhi was evident as Sikh families, community leaders and guests gathered at the Guru Nanak Darbar Tatt Khalsa Diwan in Kuala Lumpur, which is the region’s largest gurdwara.
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Ghani, who was present, announced a RM50,000 contribution to the gurdwara to add to the celebration.
He reflected on how Vaisakhi represents more than tradition but a way of life rooted in values of courage, sacrifice, discipline, equality and service to humanity.
The minister also acknowledged a concern raised by the gurdwara, saying the government will look into a proposal to install solar energy systems to help ease electricity costs.
