GEORGE TOWN – Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy again criticises the decision of Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa to allow a conditional Thaipusam chariot procession in Batu Caves, Selangor.
In a statement today, Ramasamy said even with a conditional procession, it will be difficult to control the crowd as accompanying the chariot is a common practice.
Last Saturday, Annuar announced that the annual temple chariot procession from the Jalan Bandar Hindu temple to Batu Caves would continue this year.
The procession, which will transport Lord Muruga to Batu Caves on Wednesday before returning to the Jalan Bandar temple next Friday.
“The condition is that the chariot will not make any stops, with no more than 10 followers allowed, no music, among others. As usual Kuala Lumpur City Hall will monitor SOP compliance.”
Ramasamy, however, questioned that the initial announcement by Annuar did not have enough information.
“How is the procession going to take place? Will it be pulled by bulls or a vehicle?
“Will the streets be cordoned off entirely? How will security personnel prevent devotees from gathering or walking along with the chariot?”
He said the National Security Council and temple committee have not thought this through.
He added that Penang cancelled Thaipusam events with public health and safety in mind.
:With the pandemic still ongoing, we took the responsible but unpopular approach.”
Devotees have been urged to pray in their homes instead. – The Vibes, January 25, 2021
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