IT is illogical for Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor to cancel Thaipusam holiday in the state just because of the movement control order (MCO).
“The Menteri Besar cited the cancellation of celebration activities to justify his decision to rescind the holiday for Thaipusam. This is illogical, unacceptable and infringes on the rights of the minorities.
“Going by Sanusi’s logic, then should any other holidays, like our Independence Day, be cancelled if affected by MCO?” asked MCA spokesperson Mike Chong, in a statement.
Two days ago, Sanusi announced the cancellation of the state leave for Thaipusam, citing the MCO as an excuse.
“There is no cuti peristiwa. Since there is no celebration this year, there will be no public holiday,” he was reported saying.
However, Malaysia Hindu Sangam shot back saying Hindus in the state would still hold prayer sessions at home despite the cancellation of large-scale celebrations.
“He thinks Thaipusam is all about carrying kavadi (mini procession) and pal kudam (milk offering). It’s more than that. It’s a day where Hindus celebrate it by having prayer sessions at home.
“Sanusi doesn’t seem to understand that it’s the outdoor procession and crowd gathering that has been cancelled, not the Thaipusam day itself!” its president Datuk RS Mogan Shan was reported saying.
Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak also lashed out at Sanusi, reminding him that Thaipusam is an important day for Hindus and it should be respected as such.
Firing a salvo against the PAS leader, Chong said the Sanusi’s decision only showed the latter’s lack of respect for traditions and culture held dear by other communities.
The MCA leader also reminded Sanusi that both the Federal and state governments gazette festivals of many communities as holidays as an acknowledgment that Malaysia is made of diverse racial and religious background.
“It’s also a sign of respect for our men and women of differing backgrounds – a highlight of Malaysia’s diversity, moderation and tolerance that we lived by for decades. The action of the Kedah MB goes against all this,” he opined.
On related matter, Mogan Shan told FocusM that he had sent a letter to Sanusi two days ago, urging the latter to review his decision.
“I have also spoken to PAS Religious Affairs Bureau and was told that they have also issued a letter to Sanusi to review the decision.
“But so far, we have yet to receive a response,” he remarked. – Jan 23, 2021.
