'Kedah MB's cancellation of Thaipusam holiday disrespectful, irrational'
Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md announced the cancellation of this year’s Thaipusam public holiday in the state. - NSTP/MOHD YUSNI ARIFFIN
KUALA LUMPUR: Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor disrespected the rights of minorities in this country when he announced the cancellation of this year's Thaipusam public holiday (cuti peristiwa) in the state, MCA vice-president Datuk Tan Teik Cheng said.
In a statement today, Tan said Sanusi's decision to use the Movement Control Order 2.0 (MCO) as an excuse is illogical and confusing to the minority races in this country.
"Everyone from different races and religions should be able to celebrate their own holidays, just that in light of the pandemic, everyone needs to adapt to the new norm by not holding big celebrations or be in crowded spaces.
"But why cancel the Thaipusam public holiday? Cancelling the celebration and cancelling the public holiday are two very different things by definition.
"Does this mean that the Hindus can't celebrate this important day even at home where they adhere to all standard operating procedures (SOP)?
"No doubt that Sanusi's action has damaged the spirit of mutual respect and inclusiveness that has been forged over the years," he said.
MCA spokesperson Mike Chong Yew Chuan also aired a similar view in a statement, saying Sanusi has violated the rights of the minority in this country to celebrate important days in their religions and cultures.
"MCA could not accept such reasoning. If we follow Sanusi's logic, will it be reasonable to cancel the Hari Merdeka celebration too? This kind of thinking is confusing and disappoints Malaysians.
"Apart from that, Sanusi's announcement has also hurt the feelings of the Hindus because it looks like their celebrations, traditions and cultures are being disrespected," he said.
Chong also slammed Sanusi for accusing MIC of politicising this issue, saying it was the MB who has confused the public by making such a decision.
"As a party that represents the Chinese in Malaysia, MCA will take the same stance as MIC because we believe this is to do with the rights and interests of all minority races in Malaysia.
"If this excuse used by the Kedah MB to cancel the Thaipusam public holiday is allowed, MCA is worried that the same reason could be used to cancel many other celebrations by minorities in this country and MCA will not be silenced on this issue," he said.
Centre For A Better Tomorrow (Cenbet) co-president Gan Ping Sieu urged the Kedah state government to reinstate Thaipusam as a public holiday, adding that despite Covid-19, such a celebration should be allowed to proceed, but with strict compliance to the SOP.
"We are a multi-ethnic nation that cherishes cultural pluralism. Moderation is an integral part of our way of life.
"The sudden announcement of the cancellation of Thaipusam as a public holiday is an affront to multiculturalism that we celebrate and a sign of intolerance.
"The Kedah government must reconsider such a decision as it is both irrational and wholly disproportionate in the circumstances," he said in a statement.
On Wednesday, Sanusi had announced there would be no public holiday for Thaipusam, as all activities for the religious festival have been cancelled due to the MCO.
In a statement today, Tan said Sanusi's decision to use the Movement Control Order 2.0 (MCO) as an excuse is illogical and confusing to the minority races in this country.
"Everyone from different races and religions should be able to celebrate their own holidays, just that in light of the pandemic, everyone needs to adapt to the new norm by not holding big celebrations or be in crowded spaces.
"But why cancel the Thaipusam public holiday? Cancelling the celebration and cancelling the public holiday are two very different things by definition.
"Does this mean that the Hindus can't celebrate this important day even at home where they adhere to all standard operating procedures (SOP)?
"No doubt that Sanusi's action has damaged the spirit of mutual respect and inclusiveness that has been forged over the years," he said.
MCA spokesperson Mike Chong Yew Chuan also aired a similar view in a statement, saying Sanusi has violated the rights of the minority in this country to celebrate important days in their religions and cultures.
"MCA could not accept such reasoning. If we follow Sanusi's logic, will it be reasonable to cancel the Hari Merdeka celebration too? This kind of thinking is confusing and disappoints Malaysians.
"Apart from that, Sanusi's announcement has also hurt the feelings of the Hindus because it looks like their celebrations, traditions and cultures are being disrespected," he said.
Chong also slammed Sanusi for accusing MIC of politicising this issue, saying it was the MB who has confused the public by making such a decision.
"As a party that represents the Chinese in Malaysia, MCA will take the same stance as MIC because we believe this is to do with the rights and interests of all minority races in Malaysia.
"If this excuse used by the Kedah MB to cancel the Thaipusam public holiday is allowed, MCA is worried that the same reason could be used to cancel many other celebrations by minorities in this country and MCA will not be silenced on this issue," he said.
Centre For A Better Tomorrow (Cenbet) co-president Gan Ping Sieu urged the Kedah state government to reinstate Thaipusam as a public holiday, adding that despite Covid-19, such a celebration should be allowed to proceed, but with strict compliance to the SOP.
"We are a multi-ethnic nation that cherishes cultural pluralism. Moderation is an integral part of our way of life.
"The sudden announcement of the cancellation of Thaipusam as a public holiday is an affront to multiculturalism that we celebrate and a sign of intolerance.
"The Kedah government must reconsider such a decision as it is both irrational and wholly disproportionate in the circumstances," he said in a statement.
On Wednesday, Sanusi had announced there would be no public holiday for Thaipusam, as all activities for the religious festival have been cancelled due to the MCO.
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kt notes:
All being said and done, we non-Muslims should be thankful for this arrogant racist who has alerted us to the dangers of an Islamic government in Malaysia.
Never ever vote for PAS, full stop!
I agree fully with KT - DO NOT VOTE THE ARROGANT RACIST PARTY, PAS.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, the PAS Supporters Wing (DHPP) information chief Balachandran Gopal Krishnan believes the cancellation was for a good reason and should not be politicised.
I do note that Balachandran is the special officer to the Trengganu MB
pas target is umno malay votes, not me n u la, they realise being racial is much easier than preaching islam.
ReplyDeleteWee KHAT Siong bagaimana? Still diam-diam duduk rumah makan Mee Maggi senang dimasak sedap dimakan?
ReplyDeleteKT give him and MCA free pass as usual? The usual 42 vs 2 argument? But KT used to say “who is gomen NOW”......and now MCA 2+MIC 1 boleh tumbang gomen juga, no difference....very powerful, can flick PAS out of gomen...ha ha ha....but KT still stuck in the past......like Hadi’s mentality is stuck in the distant past.... I wonder who is biased?
Podah MCA Vice-President who?
ReplyDeleteWee KHAT Siong and Tu Lan Ker have yet to croak.
Those two Biggies are strictly MENHED.
Menteri Hal Ehwal DAP.
Never ever vote for MCA, racist enablers.
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ReplyDelete