PM: Use Songkran festival to bolster family ties

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob yesterday expressed hope that the Siamese community in the country would use the Songkran celebration to further strengthen family ties as well as relationships with friends and neighbours of different races.

In a post on Facebook, Ismail Sabri said prosperity is the foundation that is the backbone of the Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family) concept.

He also called on Malaysians to pray for the situation to return to normal so Songkran and other festivals can be celebrated in a lively atmosphere, as the country is still facing the Covid-19 threat.

“This year’s Songkran festival is celebrated in an atmosphere where the community still needs to remain vigilant against the threat of Covid-19, which has affected the lives and economic activities of all Malaysians and the world over.

“May the Siamese community and the entire Keluarga Malaysia continue to be in good health at all times. Happy Songkran 2022.”

Ismail Sabri said the granting of unrecorded leave to civil servants of Siamese descent in conjunction with the festival was a privilege for those who have been working to develop the country.

“Consider this as a recognition of the Siamese community as part of the bumiputras in the country,” he said.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah also extended their greetings to the Siamese community yesterday.

In an official post by Istana Negara on Facebook, Their Majesties expressed hope that the Songkran festival would bring peace, happiness and prosperity to all.

Songkran, or Water festival, is the Thai New Year that is celebrated for three days, from April 13 every year. – Bernama