By Sheeda Fathil
GOMBAK, Nov 13 — Harmony and unity must be maintained and translated into society, especially when dealing with international issues, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
As such, he said all parties should support the Prime Minister’s efforts in conveying the message of peace and prosperity for the Palestinian people.
“Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also refrains from using this issue for narrow personal political interests.
“Therefore, I hope this spirit can be maintained, especially when dealing with international issues; we must stand together. But when it comes to domestic issues, we understand that we each may have different views,” Amirudin said.
He was speaking to the press during his visit to the Indian community in the Gombak Parliamentary constituency for Deepavali yesterday, where he was accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Masdiana Muhamad.
The Menteri Besar also thanked those who were willing to invite him to their open houses and commended the spirit of harmony among the various ethnic groups.
“This is my routine programme every year, visiting the Indian community to celebrate Deepavali together.
“Alhamdulillah, we received a very warm reception, and this is also an opportunity for us all to strengthen our relationships despite our different ethnicities and cultures,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gombak MIC chief, K Gobiraj, was fulsome in his enthusiasm at Amirudin’s visit to his house.
“Thank you for graciously coming here and trying various dishes prepared, including nasi minyak and lamb curry. This is an honour for us,” he said.
Similarly, activist S Vinayagar said his relationship with Amirudin is similar to that between siblings, and praised his caring nature, always mindful of the people’s welfare.
“The Menteri Besar has never missed visiting our home every Deepavali for over seven years.
“Our family is very happy, and our relationship with him is very close, like siblings. Today we served various dishes, including thosai and crab curry,” he said.
During the visit, Amirudin and Masidiana also visited the family of the Kelang state constituency’s Indian community head R. Surenthran, in Kampung Fajar.
The pair, arriving at 2pm, were welcomed by cultural performances from the locals.
They spent approximately 45 minutes at Surenthran’s residence, taking time to enjoy Deepavali delicacies of thosai and goat curry.
Amirudin graciously fulfilled the hosts’ requests and excited guests who wanted to take photos and selfies with him.
On his part, Surenthran said this is the second time this year that Amirudin visited his family for Deepavali, and he is delighted with the visit.
“This is an honour for our family. My wife and I prepared a special meal for him — thosai and goat curry, as we know he enjoys it.
“The Menteri Besar is a leader who is always mindful of our needs here, and Kampung Fajar’s residents are certainly happy with his presence,” he said.
