Teo Hopes Deepavali Brings Joy, Strengthens Unity Among Malaysians

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching hopes the Deepavali celebration will bring joy and happiness to all Malaysians, while providing an opportunity to appreciate the diversity of festivities and delicacies that make the country’s multicultural society unique.

She said Deepavali was celebrated not only by the Hindu community but was also embraced by Malaysians as part of the diversity of festivals that unite the people.

“I hope this Deepavali will also bring happiness and joy to everyone.

“At the same time, during this festive season, make sure we watch what we eat. So, let us have more ‘sweetness’ in our smiles but less sugar in the food we eat,” she said.

She told reporters this after attending the Kolam Decoration Programme and Deepavali Greeting Recording Session with the management and staff of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) at Wisma Bernama here today.

Teo also reminded Malaysians to appreciate the joy and freedom they enjoyed while celebrating festivals together and savouring a variety of dishes.

During the event, she took part in the ceremonial kolam decoration with Bernama’s management and staff in the building’s lobby.

Kolam is a traditional South Indian floor art form drawn at the threshold or entrance of a home, temple or business premises.

The kolam decoration was sponsored by Hong Leong Bank, while the event area also featured “Rang & Chhaap - The Art of Wooden Block Printing”.

Also present were Communications Ministry deputy secretary-general (Strategic) Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil, Bernama Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludi, Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, Bernama Deputy Editor-in-Chief (News Services) Mohd Shukri Ishak and Economic News Services deputy editor-in-chief Harlina Samson.

The programme also included a Deepavali greeting recording session featuring Teo and the management and staff of Bernama.

-- BERNAMA