KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said festive celebrations and other gatherings are made possible now due to the success of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK) and the close cooperation from all quarters.
The prime minister said PICK’s success has enabled Malaysians to enjoy relaxation of restrictions in social and economic sectors in stages as the vaccination rate for the country’s adult population has reached 95.1% as of yesterday.
He also congratulated and thanked all Malaysians for placing their full support, trust and confidence in the government’s efforts to ensure the country’s recovery.
“Compared to last year, Deepavali this year is celebrated on a much grander scale in new norms.
“Many have taken the opportunity to return home to visit their relatives after the government lifted the interstate travel ban on October 11,” he said in his speech at the Malaysia Open House for Deepavali 2021 at the Malaysia Tourism Centre here tonight.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim and MIC president Tan Sri S. A. Vigneswaran were also present at the event.
Ismail Sabri, however, reminds Malaysians to continue to comply with the standard operating procedures and not to be complacent or take the Covid-19 threat lightly as the pandemic will continue to disrupt and restrict personal freedoms due to carelessness.
He also urged Malaysians to embrace the spirit of Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family) so that unity among the multi-racial society in the country can be further strengthened in conjunction with the Deepavali celebration.
He said the Malaysian Family concept also focused on togetherness, inclusiveness and gratitude, which will unite Malaysians.
These values are emphasised in all religions, and it is our shared responsibility to defend them for the sake of the country’s progress, prosperity and harmony, he said.
On implementing the country’s development agenda, he said the government is always committed to ensuring the welfare of all races in the country so that no one is neglected.
“In Budget 2022, the government has allocated RM145 million to empower the Indian community’s socio-economy under the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit and the Indian Community Entrepreneur Development scheme by Tekun Nasional.
“In addition, the government has allocated RM50 million for the maintenance and development of houses of worship in local municipalities, and implementation of community activities with the assistance of locals and religious leaders,” he said.
Ismail Sabri said the spirit of unity and cooperation has allowed Malaysians to live in peace and harmony although the society consists of many races with different religions, languages and cultures.
He said these differences made Malaysians a society that is rich in terms of culture, and is a unifying factor held in high esteem by the international community.
“What’s special about us in Malaysia is that Deepavali is celebrated in such a festive manner in the spirit of Keluarga Malaysia, with its inclusive values that transcend the boundaries of religion, culture and race.
“I hope this celebration will strengthen our unity as we reaffirm the ties that bind us together as Keluarga Malaysia and enjoy the harmony that has been blessed upon our beloved Malaysia,” he said. – Bernama, November 13, 2021
