Ramanan’s Deepavali Open House Unites Multiracial Leaders, Reflects Spirit of ‘Otrumai MADANI’

KUALA LUMPUR: The spirit of unity and harmony under Malaysia MADANI was evident when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim attended a Deepavali open house hosted by the family of Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R Ramanan in conjunction with the festival yesterday.

In a statement to Bernama today, Ramanan said the Prime Minister’s visit also reflected Malaysia’s uniqueness as a multiracial nation that continues to uphold the values of togetherness, tolerance and mutual respect.

He described the Prime Minister’s willingness to attend his family’s open house as a great honour, reflecting the national leadership’s commitment to fostering harmony among Malaysia’s diverse communities.

“Malaysia has a very special quality. We may differ in race, religion and culture, but when the festive season arrives, we celebrate together as one big Malaysian family.

“The Prime Minister’s concern for the Indian community is reflected not only in his willingness to celebrate Deepavali with us, but also in the attention he gives to the community’s real needs and challenges, particularly in education, the economy and family well-being,” he said.

The visit, warmly welcomed by Ramanan and his family in a festive and family-oriented atmosphere, was also attended by government leaders from various racial and religious backgrounds.

Among those present were Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek, Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh and Selangor State Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Mohd Kamri Kamaruddin.

Ramanan said the open house tradition, long practised by Malaysians, demonstrated that unity was not built solely through government policies but was also strengthened through close relationships and interactions among communities.

He said religious and cultural diversity must continue to be celebrated as a national asset, particularly as Malaysia faces various challenges that require its people to remain united and maintain mutual trust.

“The spirit of Malaysia MADANI teaches us that the nation’s strength does not lie in any single race or group, but in the ability of all Malaysians to progress together without leaving anyone behind.

“Malaysians want a country where people continue to live in peace, harmony and mutual understanding. We want diversity to be celebrated rather than used as an excuse to create division or sow prejudice against one another,” he said.

He also extended his Deepavali greetings to the entire Hindu community in Malaysia and expressed hope that this year’s celebration would bring happiness, well-being and prosperity to every family.

BERNAMA