Anwar Officiates National Deepavali Celebration in Brickfields, Pledges to Address Indian Community Issues

Anwar says the government remains committed to addressing education and welfare issues facing the Indian community at the national Deepavali 2026 celebration in Brickfields.

Bria AI ,

Mohd Nazhrieyan Jailani 41 minutes ago 3 minutes read

Credit : Mohd Nazhrieyan Jailani

KUALA LUMPUR, 14 Nov — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated the national-level Deepavali 2026 celebration at Little India, Brickfields, on Saturday, saying the government remains committed to addressing issues facing the Indian community, particularly in education and welfare.

The celebration, themed “Cahaya Deepavali, Semarak Perpaduan” (The Light of Deepavali: Fostering Unity), was organised by the National Unity Ministry with the Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI). Bernama reported that National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh also attended. In his speech, Anwar also acknowledged MAICCI president Datuk Seri N. Gobalakrishnan.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaking at the podium at the national Deepavali celebration in Brickfields — Photo: Mohd Nazhrieyan Jailani

Anwar said the government acknowledged that more needed to be done for the community, including support for Tamil schools and the Tamil language.

“We must also work to address and resolve issues involving Hindu temples, Indian traders and poor Indians living in urban areas and estates,” he said, according to Bernama.

He said welfare aid under the Madani government was based on need rather than race, citing Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR), Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) and the RM200 given to every school pupil in January, whatever type of school they attend.

“We give every schoolchild RM200. Why? Because we care about their future,” he said.

According to the verbatim text of the speech published by the Prime Minister’s Office, Anwar said no one should question the position of the Malay language, Islam or the special position of the Malays, but that the country’s safety depended on ensuring justice and success for every community. He said he was often told he had to adjust to a policy of “Malay dominance” to survive, and that his reply was: “I want to survive as a Malaysian leader who loves this country.”

He also said that some groups and parties raised racial issues to divert attention from corruption. He did not name anyone.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim with cultural dancers and a young boy at the national Deepavali celebration in Brickfields — Photo: Mohd Nazhrieyan Jailani

Anwar urged Malaysians to respect and value the country’s religious, cultural, linguistic and ethnic diversity.

“Despite our differences in skin colour, religion, culture, language and ethnicity, we share a common humanity. We respect and value one another. That is how Malaysia must remain united and prosper as a nation,” he said, according to Bernama.

In a post on X after the event, Anwar said he went to Brickfields after a visit to SK Polis Depot and was struck by how lively and colourful the celebration was. He said he was glad to see people of different races and religions sitting together at the same table, like a family.

The day-long programme, which ran from 8am to 11.30pm, included cultural performances, traditional Indian dances, classical music and martial arts demonstrations, and a “Rumah Kami” pavilion showcasing the heritage of Malaysia’s communities, The Star reported earlier. Deepavali fell on 8 November this year.