By Doreen Ling
KUCHING, Nov 8: Although Deepavali is not an official public holiday in Sarawak, the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Association Kuching said it is not a pressing demand, as the Sarawak government has consistently supported the State’s Indian community.
According to the association’s president, Dato Shankar Ram Asnani, the community would welcome Deepavali as an official holiday, but existing arrangements already allow civil servants and employees to observe the festival.
“I like the economy to continue working. If we have too many holidays, it is also not good. This is my view, but some people want a holiday; they feel a sense of belonging.
“But I tell you one thing—here, we have no problem. And the reason is that you know we’ve got a good Sarawak government that recognises our people’s needs. They give our people good jobs, good recognition, a lot of respect, love, and honour,” he said to reporters at a Deepavali celebration here today.
He said that the Sarawak government has given them a grant to build the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, which he described as a temple for people from all walks of society.
“Sarawakians are very grateful to the Sarawak government. You see, Sarawak is so different from other parts of the world. We are friendly. You go to London today, people are cold. America, people don’t speak with one another; they’re not so warm. Here, if your car breaks down, people will come and help you. There, they don’t care; nobody will help you. In very rare cases, you see people come out to help.
“So, it is important that we preserve this kind of unity, the warmth. We don’t just tolerate each other, but we join with one another; we love to celebrate the other’s celebrations,” he said. — DayakDaily
