Rumah terbuka amalan sepanjang tahun, bukan hanya musim perayaan, kata menteri

Menteri Perpaduan Negara Aaron Ago Dagang has emphasized that the open-door tradition of house visits should be practiced throughout the year, not just during festive seasons, to foster unity among diverse communities. Speaking at the National Deepavali 2026 celebration in Little India, Brickfields, organized by the Ministry of Unity and the India Malaysia Business and Industry Chamber, Aaron stated that Malaysia's strength and uniqueness lies not in the homogeneity of its people, but in their ability to unite despite differences in religion, language, culture, and traditions.

The open-door practice, he added, can serve as a bridge of brotherhood, strengthening relations among multi-ethnic communities and preventing diversity from becoming a dividing line in daily life. Unity must be embodied through daily interactions, social concern, and the spirit of mutual assistance. To build a progressive and harmonious society, we need to cultivate the principles of understanding, respect, acceptance, and appreciation of diversity as the foundation.

Despite differences in religion, language, culture, and customs, Malaysians share a common homeland, federal constitution, Rukun Negara, and the aspiration to build the nation and protect our collective interests. The National Unity Ministry's meeting alongside the India Malaysia Business and Industry Chamber also featured Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Human Resources Minister R Ramanan, and the Deputy Prime Minister (Federal Territory) Hannah Yeoh.

The Deepavali-themed ceremony celebrated with various cultural and traditional Indian offerings, including Veenai and Mridangam music, Silambam and Kalaripayattu martial arts, Karra Samu self-defense, fashion show, and a house of ethnic heritage introducing the diversity of Malay, Chinese, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, and Gujarati cultures.