IT was definitely good news for all Malaysians, especially Hindus, when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced that this year’s Thaipusam will be a public holiday for Klang Valley and Putrajaya residents (”Holiday for KL, Putrajaya thanks to MIC’s efforts” — NST, Jan 21).

It finally bore fruit for the top man of the Malaysian Indian Congress, Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, after years of requesting and waiting patiently for Kuala Lumpur to be given a public holiday for Thaipusam.

Now that Thaipusam is a public holiday for Kuala Lumpur as well as Putrajaya, it is hoped that all Malaysians will enjoy it as a public holiday someday.

MOHD FAIZAL ABDULLAH, Kuala Lumpur

Source: NST – January 23, 2008