FMT:
‘O Holy Night’ furor a miscommunication, say Christmas event organisers
The organisers say they are working to include the song for the event, denying earlier reports of its cancellation.
The Christmas event will proceed as planned on Dec 3, with the recording to be broadcasted on state-owned TVS on Dec 23. (Rawpixel pic)
PETALING JAYA: Organisers of a Christmas event in Sarawak say there was a miscommunication over their apparent refusal to allow participants to sing the carol “O Holy Night” instead of “Jingle Bell Rock”.
State-owned broadcaster TVS and the Sarawak government’s unit for other religions (Unifor) said they had no intention of excluding the carol and were working to include the song for the event.
“We would like to clarify that a miscommunication transpired between the parties involved in the programme.
“We are working to include the said song and are diligently preparing all the necessary elements for its performance,” they said in a joint statement.
The organisers added that the event will proceed as planned on Dec 3, with the recording to be broadcast on TVS on Dec 23. They also denied earlier reports that the event had been cancelled.
“The main objective of this event is to create a Christmas carol-themed musical event, featuring the participation of 1,500 individuals. The aim is to showcase the essence of unity among Sarawak’s multiracial community, embracing differences in race, religion and culture.
“Your understanding and support are highly appreciated as we strive to deliver an event that not only celebrates the spirit of Christmas but also emphasises the unity within Sarawak’s rich and diverse community.”
Earlier today, the Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS) criticised TVS for its refusal to allow “O Holy Night” to be sung in place of “Jingle Bell Rock” at the event.
ACS said “Jingle Bell Rock” had nothing to do with Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, adding that it would not take part in the event.
It claimed TVS said it could not accede to the request as “O Holy Night” contained religious elements, adding that this was in line with the Film Censorship Board (LPF) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC) protocols.
Later, communications and digital minister Fahmi Fadzil said the MCMC had nothing to do with the decision-making for the event.
PETALING JAYA: Organisers of a Christmas event in Sarawak say there was a miscommunication over their apparent refusal to allow participants to sing the carol “O Holy Night” instead of “Jingle Bell Rock”.
State-owned broadcaster TVS and the Sarawak government’s unit for other religions (Unifor) said they had no intention of excluding the carol and were working to include the song for the event.
“We would like to clarify that a miscommunication transpired between the parties involved in the programme.
“We are working to include the said song and are diligently preparing all the necessary elements for its performance,” they said in a joint statement.
The organisers added that the event will proceed as planned on Dec 3, with the recording to be broadcast on TVS on Dec 23. They also denied earlier reports that the event had been cancelled.
“The main objective of this event is to create a Christmas carol-themed musical event, featuring the participation of 1,500 individuals. The aim is to showcase the essence of unity among Sarawak’s multiracial community, embracing differences in race, religion and culture.
“Your understanding and support are highly appreciated as we strive to deliver an event that not only celebrates the spirit of Christmas but also emphasises the unity within Sarawak’s rich and diverse community.”
Earlier today, the Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS) criticised TVS for its refusal to allow “O Holy Night” to be sung in place of “Jingle Bell Rock” at the event.
ACS said “Jingle Bell Rock” had nothing to do with Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, adding that it would not take part in the event.
It claimed TVS said it could not accede to the request as “O Holy Night” contained religious elements, adding that this was in line with the Film Censorship Board (LPF) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC) protocols.
Later, communications and digital minister Fahmi Fadzil said the MCMC had nothing to do with the decision-making for the event.
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