Zahid, Fadilah Extend Deepavali Greetings, But Cabinet Silence Speaks Volumes
This Deepavali, Malaysians were treated to a heartwarming message from Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who wished Hindus a happy and prosperous festival. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar also offered his best wishes. But a glaring absence was felt - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the rest of the Cabinet remained silent.
The lack of Deepavali greetings from the Prime Minister and Cabinet has sparked a lot of talk, especially in light of the recent controversy surrounding the Deepavali public holiday. You see, some Hindu groups were upset about the holiday falling on a weekend, which made them feel like their festival wasn't being fully acknowledged.
This is where the Cabinet silence becomes even more noticeable. It's like they're trying to avoid the whole Deepavali issue, which isn't cool, especially considering Anwar's commitment to unity and inclusivity.
What does this mean for the future of religious inclusivity in Malaysia? Well, it's hard to say for sure. But it's definitely a sign that there's some work to be done when it comes to understanding and respecting different cultures.
We can only hope that the next Deepavali will be marked by a unified message from the whole Cabinet, showing their commitment to celebrating diversity and understanding. Let's keep our fingers crossed!