- Wartawan Nabalu News
Penampang MP visit Hindu Temple in conjunction with Thaipusam
25 January 2024
By Wartawan Nabalu News
KOTA KINABALU: Penampang Member of Parliament Datuk Ewon Benedick epitomised the high level of tolerance in Sabah’s multi-racial society when he visited the Sri Subramaniam Temple at Lok Kawi today.
His visit in conjunction with Thaipusam, a Hindu Celebration showed his acceptance and respect for individuals of different racial backgrounds, culture, language and religion, enabling harmonious coexistence.
Thaipusam is a Hindu Tamil festival that celebrates the victory of the god Murugan over the demon Surapadman and is celebrated on the first full moon day of the Tamil month of Thai.
Datuk Dr G Mohan, the spokesperson for the temple, stated that the Sri Subramanian Temple has been visited by 800 devotees since morning, with devotees coming from various locations in Sabah and Labuan.
He mentioned that the temple has a capacity to accommodate 400 people at any given time.
“In Sabah, there are other temples apart from the main Sri Subramanian Temple, such as the Murugan temple and the Tawau Murugan temple. However, these temples do not organise Thaipusam celebrations on a large scale like the main temple in Lok Kawi, Tawau, and Labuan,” he said adding that there are about 5000 Hindu Indians in Sabah, although the number might fluctuate due to transfers of personnel, among others.
On Ewon’s visit Dr Mohan emphasised that the current government promotes unity, and the high turnout at the temple is a testament to the unity among the people. He believes that Sabah can serve as a role model for others to follow, demonstrating that unity is not only about having a unity government, but also the action of being united as well.
In a brief interview, Ewon who is also the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative said his presence in the celebrations is a testimony of his commitment and respect for social harmony and peaceful coexistence in multi-racial societies.
“This must be fostered and preserved,” he stressed.
Also present during the event were Carl Mosoom the Political Secretary to the Minister, Temple President Lieutenant Vijaya Ragavan and other temple leaders.
