Festival is celebrated by other groups

MALAYSIAN leaders must realise that Deepavali is celebrated not just by Hindus. They ought to follow the lead of leaders in first world countries like Canada and the United States, who convey their Deepavali (or Diwali) wishes not only to Hindus but also to Sikhs, Jains and (Newar) Buddhists.

In Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement on Monday, saying: “Diwali is an occasion for us to recognise the contributions of Canadians of South Asian descent, including Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, and Sikh communities ...”