GEORGE TOWN – The Penang government may be pushed to defy the federal prohibition on the annual Thaipusam chariot processions as it feels that the move is driven more by politics than Covid-19 concerns.
Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy, who is chairman of the Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB), said the relevant authorities should refrain from politicising the celebration.
He said that National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique’s announcement in Parliament that Chingay and Thaipusam processions will be disallowed next year owing to the virus is unjustifiable.
He said the threat of the new Omicron variant hardly justifies the cancellation of the chariot procession during Thaipusam, which falls on January 18.
The vast majority of Malaysians have received their vaccinations, and many are now getting booster shots, he said.
Much normalcy has returned to the country as evident by interstate travel, functions and gatherings being allowed again, he added.
“They must be allowed under conditions of strict SOPs. I urge Halimah to change her stand,” said Ramasamy.
“Halimah said after consultation with Hindu representatives from states like Kedah, Penang, Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur that it was decided to call off the chariot procession.”
He expressed shock that Halimah would make such a categorical statement in prohibiting the procession – the principal aspect of Thaipusam.
In the absence of the chariot procession, the religious festival has no meaning,” he said.
At the height of the pandemic in January this year, the federal government banned Thaipusam chariot processions.
However, due to the subsequent intervention of MIC deputy president Datuk M. Saravanan, who is also the human resources minister, processions were undertaken for the Batu Caves temple in Kuala Lumpur and the Nattukottai Chettiar temple in Penang, which operates the Silver Chariot.
However, PHEB, which organises the Golden Chariot, stood its ground in not allowing its procession.
Ramasamy said last-minute intervention by MIC had surreptitiously allowed the processions in Penang and Kuala Lumpur.
“I hope that Halimah will change her mind, not necessary to drag in the MIC to give them the credit,” he said.
“If she persists in not allowing the procession, then the PHEB will have no choice but to defy the federal directive,” he said.
Jelutong MP files motion to debate Thaipusam
Meanwhile, Jelutong MP RSN Rayer has filed a motion in Parliament to debate the SOPs set by the ministry that prohibit chariot processions for both Thaipusam and Chingay next year.
The DAP lawmaker told the house today that he submitted the motion this morning under Standing Order 18(1) as it is a matter of urgent public importance, following rising dissatisfaction and grievances from the people.
Because of the Omicron variant, Thaipusam and Chingay processions have to be banned. But the Melaka and Sarawak state elections are allowed to proceed.
“Besides, 95% of the adult population in this country have been vaccinated,” he said.
“So why such a ban on chariot processions? This can cause problems that can threaten the harmony of the country.
“Without processions, there is no celebration,” he said.
Rayer also appealed for the processions to be allowed for both celebrations in accordance with strict SOPs.
“I hope that my motion will be approved and debated as soon as possible,” he said.
In response, Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon said the motion has been received by the speaker’s office and a decision will be announced at a later time. – The Vibes, December 8, 2021
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