By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, Jan 26 — Selangor continues to serve as a model state of multiculturalism, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
He said this in reflecting the Thaipusam celebration at the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Batu Caves yesterday that saw the congregation of Hindu devotees from around the world.
“Last night, I witnessed hundreds of thousands of Hindu devotees celebrating Thaipusam. This proves that Selangor is an exemplary model of a multiracial and multi-religious society where people live together with mutual respect in harmony and peace.
“The people of Selangor have demonstrated that unity is the foundation of stability and harmony. Selangor's citizens reject extremists and radicals who often engage in narrow and outdated rhetoric,” he said in a post on social media site X.
Amirudin added that Selangor remains a global attraction and is constantly striving to become better.
“This is the spirit that we cultivate and will continue to uphold,” he said.
Previously on Wednesday night, the Menteri Besar delivered a somewhat similar message on the importance of religious harmony and unity in his speech at the state-level Thaipusam celebration at the Batu Caves Temple.
He stressed the significance of mutual respect and understanding among the multicultural society in strengthening communal ties.
“Our commitment, as the state government, is to ensure Selangor residents have the freedom to participate in the economy and practise their faith with mutual respect and understanding without any disturbances,” he said.
Amirudin also criticised extreme identity politics in his speech, stating that each community’s uniqueness contributes to the strength of Selangor, fostering unity and coexistence.
He also highlighted the significance of self-sacrifice for the greater good, adding that the state government’s success is a result of collective efforts, emphasising the various initiatives to assist vulnerable groups to improve their quality of life since 2008.
