Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the Thaipusam, which will be celebrated by Hindu followers tomorrow, is another event which reflects racial solidarity in Malaysia.

In a message uploaded in his Facebook account, Mahathir said although the festival was more significant for the Hindu community, the celebration was also shared together with the other races and followers of other religious beliefs.

“This is another event that reflects racial solidarity in Malaysia although followers of the other religions have no relationship with the Thaipusam celebration. They wished to be together with their Hindu friends who wished to celebrate the event today,” he said.

While wishing them a happy Thaipusam celebration, Mahathir also hoped the event would be celebrated with great happiness by all Malaysians.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail in her message stated that the celebration gave an opportunity for Malaysians to demonstrate their appreciation for the rich culture which had been enjoyed together as a nation.

“The mutual understanding and bond between the various religions and races must be preserved by all Malaysians.

“The solidarity and harmony is a symbol of actual pride for Malaysia Baharu (the New Malaysia),” she said while wishing the Hindu followers a happy Thaipusam.

Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali meanwhile wanted the spirit to overcome evil and arrogance to be shared by everyone besides respecting the Hindu followers who celebrated Thaipusam as a religious day and a day for cleansing themselves spiritually.

Azmin also hoped that the celebration could help to enhance determination to overcome various forms of evil and arrogance.

“The Tamil community celebrates Thaipusam during the full moon of the tenth month of the Tamil Panchangam. This year, it coincides with Jan 21, 2019. The climax of the celebration is to remember the Dewi Parvati event in presenting the spear Vel to Lord Murugan to defeat the evil Surapadma,” he said.

- Bernama