Prime Ministers of Trinidad and Tobago and Malaysia have extended Diwali greetings to people celebrating the Festival of Lights, urging citizens to strengthen unity, promote mutual respect and celebrate responsibly.
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, in her 2026 Diwali message, called on citizens to carry forward the festival’s values of care, tolerance and togetherness.
Referring to the Ramayana, she highlighted the importance of love, peace and dignity in building a united nation.
She also paid tribute to the Hindu community’s ancestors for preserving their faith and traditions through difficult times, and expressed hope that Diwali would bring prosperity, health and harmony to every household.
Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Deepavali should serve as an opportunity to bridge gaps between communities and strengthen unity in the country’s multiracial society.
He emphasised mutual respect, understanding and acceptance of differences, while encouraging compassion and concern for those in need.
Anwar described the festival as a symbol of the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
He wished celebrants happiness, peace and prosperity, and called for the spirit of harmony to continue beyond the festival.
