PM EXTENDS DEEPAVALI GREETINGS TO MALAYSIAN HINDUS

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Najib Razak says Deepavali,
which will be observed on Saturday by Malaysians of the Hindu faith as Muslims
continue to celebrate Aidilfitri (Eid al-fitr), provides a golden opportunity
for ties between ethnic groups to be strengthened in the true 1Malaysia spirit.

In extending Deepavali greetings to Malaysian Hindus, he says it is
customary of members of the Indian community to graciously welcome their fellow
Malaysians to their "open house", thus permitting all to interact with one
another and enjoy Indian delicacies such as "jalebi" (sweet snack) and "murukku"
(savoury snack) in mutual respect, harmony and unity.

Writing in his blog, www.1Malaysia.com, Najib said that after having
received a warm reception from Indian Malaysians this year, he was very much
looking forward to attending such an open house, to be held at the Putra World
Trade Centre here on Saturday.

"This reminds me of the time I went on a walkabout in Brickfields, Kuala
Lumpur, and of my conversations with traders there while I had a glass of
refreshing iced lemon tea," he says.

"Most recently, I was happy to receive an invitation to the Hindu temple in
Batu Caves. There, I saw Malaysians of various cultural backgrounds
participating in the Batu Caves 1Malaysia carnival, held for the first time.

"I hope more such festivals of this nature can be organised," says the prime
minister.
-- BERNAMA