PETALING JAYA: Perikatan Nasional has extended Deepavali wishes to Malaysians celebrating the festival and the entire Hindu community, saying it serves as a reminder that light symbolises hope, goodness and truth in overcoming darkness, evil and life's various challenges.
Perikatan secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said these values should guide efforts to build a harmonious society founded on honesty, justice, love, mutual respect and concern for one another.
"In a country rich in racial, religious and cultural diversity such as Malaysia, harmony does not happen by itself," he said in a statement on Saturday (Nov 7).
"It requires the willingness of all parties to understand one another, respect differences and uphold the spirit of togetherness.
"This diversity should be a strength that unites us, rather than an excuse to create division and disunity," he added.
Takiyuddin also urged Malaysians to remember the less fortunate, including those facing hardships and members of society who need care and support.
"True happiness and prosperity are measured not only by the comforts enjoyed by some, but by the extent to which goodness and blessings can be shared with others.
"May this year's Deepavali celebration continue to brighten the light of hope in building a more just, peaceful, united and prosperous Malaysia, where every citizen, regardless of race or religion, can live with dignity, peace and confidence in the future," he said.
