THERE is a need for local municipal authorities to be fair in treating all the communities in the country especially in Selangor, which is the most multi-racial and diverse state in the country.
One sees a lot of festive decorations usually in the urban areas which are put up by the local authorities to show their appreciation to the ratepayers and residents.
These decorations and colourful lights brighten up the public spaces for the festival. This is done usually for Christmas and The New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Chinese New Year and Deepavali.
This gesture brings the people closer to the local administrators who have to work directly with them to create a vibrant and active community.
One also sees banners and buntings being displayed with festive greetings and messages put up by the MPs and state representatives to thank the voters for electing them.
All these gestures are good and appreciated and to a certain extent, unique. The open house gatherings by the state and federal governments for all the major Malaysian festivals underpin the need for communal harmony and national solidarity.
However, there are shortcomings and complaints about the local municipal authorities when it comes to discrimination for treating festivals differently.
As is well known, Islam is the official religion and the importance given to Hari Raya Puasa especially when it comes to decorations and lighting up cannot begrudged.
Recently I found out that decorations for Christmas were almost overlooked in Selangor. Christians and other non-Muslims will feel discriminated if public areas especially around important intersections, roundabouts, main streets, near churches and other houses of worship remain dull and normal.
Decorating these places will give a lively carnival atmosphere and please the residents to feel the spirit of goodwill.
All local authorities allocate certain amounts for decorations annually. If this prejudice could be happening in a developed, rich and diverse state like Selangor, the administration needs to look into this.
The local government executive councillor needs to monitor the situation and ensure that all municipal authorities, based on their demographics, do at least the minimum in lighting up and decorating the public urban areas during the four major festivals.
The MPs and state assemblypersons could also convey their concern when they observe these unfairness to some communities. – Jan 1, 2024
V. Thomas is a Focus Malaysia viewer.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main pic credit: Tatler Asia
