KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, October 23, 2003: Datuk A.Vaithilingam, President of the Malaysia Hindu Sangam, issued the following statement today: “The Malaysia Hindu Sangam takes great pleasure in wishing all Hindus in Malaysia a very Happy Deepavali. Deepavali is a festival of lights which brings hope to all those who have experienced turmoil in every part of the world. We in Malaysia are fortunate to be a developing nation respected by all other nations. Deepavali this year comes at a time when our long-serving Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, is retiring in a week. All Malaysians shall always remember his services to the nation as a role model. Hindus in Malaysia wish to express their appreciation for his contribution to our developing nation. The Malaysia Hindu Sangam takes pleasure to welcome YAB Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who is due to take over as a new Prime Minister from November 1, 2003. We shall continue to give the same cooperation and support as given to the outgoing leader. Malaysia Hindu Sangam calls upon all Hindus to celebrate Deepavali with Malaysian of all races and religion maintaining the peace and harmony which all Malaysian are proud of.”