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.
