Residents treated to food and show at 1Malaysia Deepavali celebration

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MORE than 300 PJS (Petaling Jaya Selatan) 1 and 3 residents had a great feast at the 1Malaysia Deepavali celebration organised by PJS MCA.

MCA vice-president Datuk Donald Lim said Malaysians should embrace our cultural diversities and uniqueness and use it to strengthen national harmony.

“Events like this serve as a platform for all races to come together and learn about each other’s cultures,” he said at the celebration at the Petaling Jaya Municipal Council multipurpose hall in PJS 1/35, Petaling Utama recently.

Festive cheer: Anjalai Parumal, 54 (right) receiving contributions from Lim at the celebration.

Lim also urged the residents to lend their support to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who had been rallying to create a harmonious country with the implementation of 1Malaysia.

“We are doing what we can to improve the living conditions in this area. We have relocated many from the squatters to flats, a much cleaner and healthier environment. No doubt there has been many problems that have cropped up but we are tackling the issues in stages.

“Only with your support can we prosper and help you further prime minister and vote for Barisan National,” he said.

Among those present were PJS MCA deputy chairman Sheah Kok Fah and PJS state liaison officer Sharon Lam.

About 50 gift packages consisting of sundry goods were distributed to the residents.

Cash aid: Gan giving out RM100 each to the urban poor at Malam Irama 1Malaysia Deepavali. In the background is Kayveas.

A similar event was also organised by Bukit Bintang Barisan Nasional in collaboration with Bukit Bintang People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in Little India, Brickfields last Month.

The hundreds who turned up in Little India for their Deepavali shopping were entertained by music and dance at the Malam Irama 1Malaysia Deepavali.

The drizzle failed to dampen the spirit of the crowd who stood throughout the two-hour show filled with music and dance.

Among those present were PPP president Datuk Seri M. Kayveas, Bukit Bintang PPP head Sathiah Sudakaran, Federal Territory PPP chairman Datuk A. Chandrakumanan and Federal Territory 1Malaysia MCA Task Force deputy team leader Frankie Gan.

In his speech, Kayveas said the people should acknowledge the great benefits that Barisan National has brought to Bukit Bintang although the area has long been in the hands of the opposition.

Practiced moves: Dancers performing to the ‘Radhai Manathil’ song.

Gan highlighted the various goodies that were allocated in the 2012 budget as a testimony of Barisan Nasional’s caring efforts in genuinely helping the people.

“We understand the difficulties faced especially by the urban poor to lead comfortable lives and keep up with the escalating cost of living.

“That is the reason why billions of ringgit is spent annually to subsidise essential items,” he said.

At the event, 300 needy recipients were given RM100 aid and feasted to a spread of Indian dishes courtesy of Bukit Bintang Barisan Nasional.