KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged Malaysians to use the Songkran festival celebrations this year as a platform to strengthen unity, peace and harmony among the various races and religions.
He said the government will strive to protect the country and the people from falling into narrow racial conflicts.
In a Facebook post, he said the government was going to put an end to attempts by quarters using identity politics to divide society.
"The key to racial unity that we have achieved so far is mutual respect, which is one of the important elements in developing Malaysia MADANI," read the post.
In conjunction with the Songkran celebration, Anwar called on the Siamese community to unite with other Malaysians and share goals and determination, while maintaining unity and cooperation to develop the country.
"Hence we will together lead Malaysia towards a developed and prosperous nation. Happy celebrating the Songkran Festival to the Siamese community in Malaysia," he said.
Known as the water splashing festival, Songkran is a Thai New Year celebration which is celebrated for three days every year beginning April 13. – BERNAMA