ALOR STAR – Kedah’s decision not to observe Thaipusam, which falls on January 28, as a public holiday, is not meant to deny the rights of Hindus in the state.
Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said worshippers can still celebrate the festival by adhering to standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
“Everyone has been asked to stay at home following the implementation of the movement control order (MCO). All this while, Thaipusam has not been a public holiday in Kedah except for in the last two years, when it was made ‘cuti peristiwa’ (special holiday).
“The decision has nothing to do with denying anyone's rights in this state. Even before Thaipusam was made cuti peristiwa, it was celebrated freely and merrily in Kedah,” he said in a statement here today.
In a press conference after chairing the state executive council meeting yesterday, Sanusi said Thaipusam would not be a public holiday due to the current Covid-19 situation.
The move triggered criticism from several political leaders, including Human Resources Minister and MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan, who called it as bias.
Sanusi said the decision should not be politicised as the country is facing a bigger issue, namely the pandemic.
“With the MCO and emergency ordinance currently in force, any festival can be celebrated on a moderate scale and by strictly complying with SOPs.
“Do not politicise everything. This matter concerns the safety and the lives of all Malaysians.
“If MIC wants Thaipusam to be observed as a public holiday, it can ask the federal government to announce it as a public holiday for the whole country. Kedah has already made a decision on this matter.” – Bernama, January 21, 2021
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