ANOTHER festive season, another bizarre controversy.
Many (Peninsular) Malaysians will be wary of involving Muslims in any form of Christmas carols lest it leads to screams of haram.
However, the efforts by a carolling ensemble to inject something different into their performance was met with befuddlement and even downright hostility from some – ironically, non-Muslims – in the online community.
The Christmas carol group that performed at Berjaya Times Square took a decidedly tongue-in-cheek approach by modifying the lyrics of the evergreen 12 Days of Christmas by giving it a distinctly local flavour.
Steering well clear of any religious connotations, the group instead made references to mind-numbing traffic jams, prolonged water cuts and teh tarik kurang manis to give their performance a unique Malaysian twist.
Unfortunately, their light-hearted attempt was not appreciated by everyone.
One such example is Facebook user Pete Joe who took umbrage at this playful re-construction of a popular carol to highlight that the themes of the carols should revolve around Christian traditions, NOT poke fun at Malaysian life.
Regardless of the light-hearted nature of the lyrics that made references to nasi lemak, MCOs (Movement Control Order), tolls, roadblocks, potholes, water cuts and other instantly recognisable details of local life, the poster was unimpressed at this “totally disrespectful” version of a popular carol.
He went on to admonish the management of Berjaya Times Square for “hosting this foolish event”.
There were more than a few that also got their knickers in a knot over this rendition that sought to inject humour into proceedings.
One even wondered if people would be accepting if Chinese New Year songs that are similarly parodied.
Editor’s Note: Malaysian Chinese New Year (CNY) parody songs are popular, often humorous takes on festive tunes, blending modern slang, local culture and relatable CNY struggles (like family pressure or horrendous traffic bottlenecks!).
This is evidently so with popular producers like 3P and CAYS MEDIA creating hits which are often shared on YouTube through channels featuring artists like Nick Chung, Queenzy Cheng and local comedians, offering a funny, sometimes satirical, look at the festive season.
Another commenter posted a list of demands that included wanting name of the conductor, church that this choir is attached to as well as the identity of the parents of the singing kids involved.
Best of all, he demanded that they record and upload an apology entitled ‘Sorry Malaysia’ to show their remorse.
He further added that the Berjaya Times Square management be hauled up for this publicity stunt that “made a mockery of cultural event that involved children and politics”.
Some commenters highlighted that the festive period was meant to spread “love, joy and peace”, hence Christmas carols should not be used as tools to spread “hatred and sarcasm”. Instead, Malaysians need to learn to be “grateful”.
However, there were those who saw the funny side of the carol by comparing it to a Mel Brook’s comedy which needless to say, didn’t go down well with the poster at all.
One commenter suggested that this was NOT the right platform for such a performance. Content that touches on “MCOs, toll, roadblocks etc” should be aired at a rally or a comedy club and NOT use a tune associated with this Yuletide festivity.
What do you think? Do the annoyed citizens have a point in that this rendition was inappropriate? Or do they need to take a chill pill and develop a sense of humour? – Dec 26, 2025
