Credit : Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's X
KUALA LUMPUR, November 6, 2026 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has taken on a Tamil cinema-style hero role in a light-hearted Deepavali video that urges young Malaysians to go home, honour their mothers and celebrate the Festival of Lights with their families.
Anwar shared the video on X on Friday afternoon with the Tamil greeting “Deepavali Nalvaalthukkal!” (Happy Deepavali). The clip, which runs about two minutes and 24 seconds, was made with content creator Devaraj David, known online as Thedavidshere, according to the New Straits Times, Harian Metro and Kosmo.
The New Straits Times reported that the video is titled “Bila Mak Suruh Balik Kampung” (When Mother Asks You to Return Home). In it, Devaraj plays a young man who gives his mother excuses over the phone to avoid going home for the festival, including family nagging and a dead car battery.
Anwar then steps out of a vehicle in traditional attire and puts on dark sunglasses, in what the newspaper described as a nod to Indian cinema superstar Rajinikanth, who is widely known by fans as “Thalaivar” (leader).
According to dialogue reported by Harian Metro, Devaraj complains to “Thalaivar” that his mother keeps calling him to come home, get married and celebrate Deepavali. Anwar replies: “Dei thambi, it is Amma who loves you. You still have your Amma, love her. I no longer have my Amma.” He adds: “Please hug her, love Amma. This Deepavali is the ‘Light of the Lamp’… go home, kiss Amma, show your love and be a good son. So, go home now.”
Devaraj promises to return home, and the New Straits Times reported that after the car is fixed, Anwar joins him on the journey, with the pair sharing murukku in the car before wishing Malaysians a happy Deepavali.
The clip also drew attention in India. Hindi news portal Aaj Tak, in a trending story filed from New Delhi on November 6, said the Malaysian Prime Minister’s Deepavali post had quickly become a talking point on social media, describing his Rajinikanth-style entrance and the comedy skit about a young man whose mother keeps calling him home. The outlet noted that Malaysia is home to a large Tamil community and that Deepavali falls on November 8.
At home, Kosmo reported that many users in the comments expressed excitement at the Prime Minister’s appearance, with one comparing it to classic Petronas festive advertisements. Citizens Journal described the clip as a creator-led video featuring Anwar rather than an official government campaign.
The video adds a lighter note to Anwar’s Deepavali messages this week. He visited the Deepavali Mega Bazaar in Brickfields on Wednesday, where he announced the payment of Phase 4 of Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR), and attended a Sinar Deepavali MADANI celebration in Melaka, where he called for unity and respect among communities.
Deepavali will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
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