Unrecorded Deepavali leave now with Cabinet

0
Wong (centre) lighting the Deepavali lamp to mark the celebration, assisted by Parthiben (on his left) while Chan (on his right) as others look on. — Photo by Rais Sanusi

Wong (centre) lighting the Deepavali lamp to mark the celebration, assisted by Parthiben (on his left) while Chan (on his right) as others look on. — Photo by Rais Sanusi

KUCHING: The proposal to allow Indian civil servants to take unrecorded leave for Deepavali Day has been forwarded to the State Cabinet and is pending approval.

This was disclosed by Local Government and Community Development Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh at a Deepavali celebration with the community at MBKS yesterday.

“There are some issues that have been brought to me by the Indian community during their events, including the fact that Indians here cannot enjoy the Deepavali Day holiday.

“I promised them I will bring it up to the Cabinet, and we shall see what the state government can do about this request of allowing Indians to take a day off on Deepavali Day as unrecorded leave.

“Hopefully it will be approved by the state government, as there are not many Indians who are working in the civil service here,” he said.

Wong, who is also Second Finance Minister, pointed out that the celebration is an occasion for everyone to look back at the past year and reflect on the future.

“Deepavali is the festival of lights, peace, happiness and prosperity. It is triumph of good over evil.

“On this occasion, we must look back over the past year of what we have done and plan for the future. I believe the Indian community is prepared to do that, to move on with the rest of the communities in Sarawak and progress together.

“All of us must work together with concerted effort to make our city a conducive city to work and to live in with an environment for gracious living.

“We need to encourage courtesy and we should start with council staff. Councils throughout Sarawak should start a courtesy campaign to encourage politeness among all of us and treating each other with respect,” he said.

Wong also pledged to assist Indian associations with grants of RM5,000 each.

Meanwhile, MBKS mayor Dato James Chan Khay Syn reminded the small minority of Kuching folk who always find fault in everything to work together with the council for a better Kuching.

“We are a people-conscious council, and we want to serve the people well. There is always a small group of people who make a lot of noise especially nearing to elections, but I hope they will work together with the council in making Kuching a better place to live in.

“Our MBKS staff are very hardworking and dedicated. We want to make Kuching the most liveable city in this region,” he stressed.

On the annual Deepavali celebration at MBKS, Chan said it was among the various festivals celebrated by the council every year.

“Our Indian staff are not many but they are equally important as others.”

The celebration was also attended by organising chairperson and MBKS landscaping officer Parthiben Suppiah, MBKS deputy mayor Abang Afandi Abang Anuar, council staff, community leaders and other guests.