GEORGE TOWN – The National Security Council’s (NSC) about-turn to allow the Thaipusam chariot procession to take place in Batu Caves, Selangor, smacks of double standards, as other states are not accorded similar treatment, said Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy.
He said such inconsistencies by the NSC only give rise to public confusion and a lack of regard for the agency, whose main job is to oversee standard operating procedures of various restrictions of the movement control order (MCO).
“The NSC, in its initial circular on Thaipusam celebrations, forbade chariot processions and other related events but allowed for milk kavadi under strict SOPs.
“Suddenly, with less than one week to go before Thaipusam, the NSC has made an about-turn on the Thaipusam chariot procession. It made an exception for the Batu Caves Hindu temple (Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam).”
“Why allow the chariot procession for the Batu Caves Hindu temple but not for other temples in the country?” he asked.
“If the NSC expects the people in this country to take the pandemic seriously, it must be seen to be a serious and responsible agency. With the rise in Covid-19 cases, social and religious events must be controlled or regulated.
“It cannot allow exceptions here and there to give the impression that we are not serious about flattening the pandemic curve.”
He said it is not too late for Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa to rescind the order for his decision, made based on a special appeal from the Batu Caves temple committee.
Penang, under the state Hindu Endowment Board (HEB), took strict measures in cancelling Thaipusam events.
Events, such as prayers in temples, chariot procession, kavadis, mass haircut, coconut breaking, and the installation of panthals and stalls, were not allowed in the state.
Since Thaipusam spans three days, prayers have been barred and confined to temple committees only, while the Penang Hilltop Murugan temple plans to telecast the Thaipusam prayers live. – The Vibes, January 24, 2021
