SALUTATIONS
Members of the media. Ladies and gentlemen.
1.Vanakkam, Salam Perpaduan, and Salam Malaysia MADANI.
2.Allow me to wish a Blessed Thaipusam to all Hindu devotees in Malaysia. I am deeply honored to be here at Batu Caves on this auspicious day.
3.The celebration of Thaipusam not only symbolizes the faith and sacrifice of the Hindu community but also stands as a testament to the cultural diversity and harmony we enjoy in our beloved nation.
4.On Friday night and throughout yesterday, many devotees flooded the streets of downtown Kuala Lumpur to participate in the silver chariot procession.
5.During the procession from the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple to the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple here, the presence of 'thaneer panthals' providing free food and drinks clearly demonstrates Malaysia's uniqueness, where we constantly support one another.
6.This uniqueness is witnessed firsthand by the visitors and tourists currently in Malaysia in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
7.On this occasion, I would also like to touch upon the ongoing efforts to improve the facilities within this temple complex.
8.It is my sincere hope that the multi-purpose hall construction project and the installation of escalators here at the Batu Caves temple can commence and be realized in the near future for the benefit of all visitors and devotees.
Ladies and gentlemen,
9.Thaipusam serves as a reminder to all of us to continue celebrating our diversity and safeguarding our harmony.
10.As the Minister of Digital, I want to ensure that this harmony is preserved in cyberspace. Let us use digital platforms as a space for learning, rather than a battlefield for disputing our differences.
11.For public information, the Ministry of Digital has provided giant digital screens at the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple in Penang to help the public follow the celebrations more easily.
12.Here at Batu Caves, my service center is actively distributing food and drinks to devotees. This is our way of honoring the dedication of those observing this deeply meaningful festival.
13.In closing, a united Malaysia will enable us to achieve more rapid progress. Let us use digital technology to educate society about our unique culture to ensure we continue to appreciate one another.
14.We are all Malaysians. And as Malaysians, we must come together to build a stronger and prosperous nation. We are one.
15.Before I end my speech, Vel, Vel, Vetrivel!
Nandri, thank you everyone.
END
