BAGAN DATOH, November 3 – The people in this country should be grateful to be able to celebrate various festivals in a climate of peace, harmony and mutual respect, said Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
He said their situation was favourable compared to that in countries always experiencing turmoil and chaos with the people facing acute hardship, what more
to celebrate a festival. “We should be gratefu for the peace and harmony what we have enjoyed all this while,” he said at the Perak state-level Deepavali open house, here, yesterday.
The Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah and Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim graced the function, which was also attended by Raja Muda Perak Raja
Jaafar Raja Muda Musa, Raja Puan Besar Perak Raja Nor Mahani Raja Shahar Shah and Raja Di-Hilir Perak Raja Iskandar Dzulkarnain Sultan Idris Shah.
Also present was Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the MP for Bagan Datoh. Zambry said the long-standing peace and prosperity in the country was due to tolerance and understanding among the various races.
“Let’s not be chasing a Fata Morgana until we forget the benefits that we enjoy today from the prevailing peace and harmony,” he added. Zambry said the Indian community had also contributed to the state’s development and prosperity.
“There have been a lot of success. Hence, I urge the Indian community to strive for more excellence and to make success their aspiration and inspiration,” he said.
Zambry said the state government would continue to help solve problems faced by the Indian community and to look after their welfare and needs. About 5,000 people attended the open house where they were entertained with dance performance and songs while enjoying the Deepavali spread.
– BERNAMA
