KUALA LUMPUR – Ministers should not be given leeway at any time to make decisions solely on religious or public festivities without approval from stakeholders, even during the current pandemic.
Former deputy minister Tan Sri M. Kayveas said National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique’s announcement pertaining to Thaipusam chariot processions being banned next month was reckless and atrocious.
“What she said will only lead to confusion and frustrations as the public will interpret such a decision as coming from the government and not by her,” said Kayveas, the disputed president of the People’s Progressive Party, and former Taiping MP for two terms.
“It is essential to emphasise here that the decision of holding the procession does not involve herself alone.
“It also involves the Health Ministry, Home Affairs Ministry, police, People's Volunteer Corps and the Hindu temple communities to hold discussions thoroughly as there is still time before the auspicious day,” he said when contacted by The Vibes.
Kayveas also emphasised that when there are too many parties making statements disjointedly on standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the current Covid 19 situation, it will only bring problems for authorities as the people will be uncertain and start to ask questions.
“It is only fair for her (Halimah) to sit down and discuss with those involved and set one statement simultaneously, that is fair and fit for the people, to avoid discontentment over the issue,” said Kayveas, who was previously deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.
“Do not simply come out with one opinion today, give another statement tomorrow, then retract it the following day. Politicians should be firm and not make ‘spontaneous’ decisions when it comes to serious matters like these.
“Nampak sangat statement belum siap, tapi dah cakap,” he said in a cheeky tone, suggesting that she appears to have made the announcement without consulting relevant parties.
On a serious note, Kayveas questioned whether it is the prerogative of the national unity minister to make such an announcement as this year’s Thaipusam chariot procession in Kuala Lumpur was approved by then Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa in January.
Hindu Agamam Ani Malaysia Association adviser Arun Doraisamy blasted the decision stated by Halimah as being uncalled for as Malaysians are no longer restricted under a movement control order.
Pointing out the fact that Melaka had its state election last month and another state election is taking place in Sarawak later this month, he described the banning of the chariot procession as ludicrous.
“How is it that we were able to finish one election (Melaka) last week and have another (Sarawak) next week? This does not make sense. If elections are okay, then the procession should also be okay,” he stated.
Arun called for stricter SOPs instead of disallowing the procession to take place.
To support his argument, Arun pointed out two historical examples – the Malayan emergency and the May 13 riots in 1969. He said the Thaipusam processions were never interrupted during both periods.
“The National Unity Ministry needs to have more consultative and robust planning, rather than giving a ‘half-past-six’ statement that creates unnecessary doubts, talks, debates and even worse it will paint a bad impression on the ministry itself,” said Arun.
He added that he will not hesitate to take the matter to court if the ban remains imposed.
Hypocrisy revealed in 100-Day Aspirasi Keluarga event
Meanwhile, Hindu Sevai Sangam coordinator Parthiban Ramachandran said he is baffled and stunned by Halimah’s “hypocrisy”.
He questioned how it is possible to ban the procession due to the Omicron variant, yet at the same time the public was invited to attend the government’s 100-Day Aspirasi Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family Aspirations) programme yesterday.
The event saw a massive crowd packing the venue at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
Meant to commemorate the 100th day of federal administration under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, which fell yesterday, it saw the unveiling of a “report card” on the achievements of the government.
The event has instead sparked anger and ridicule not only because of the irresponsible invitations and poor compliance with SOPs, but also because important cultural events like Thaipusam and Chingay have been disallowed, paving the way for the government to be accused of hypocrisy.
“Banning the procession because of the new variant (Omicron)? What about the SMS that we (Malaysians) got on the ‘Jom sertai (come and attend) Program Aspirasi 100 Hari Keluarga Malaysia?’” he said.
The programme, launched yesterday, features an ongoing exhibition by 26 ministries and five agencies under the Prime Minister’s Department to promote the government’s achievements.
Parthiban also said that Halimah’s announcement may be a political gimmick to get the people’s attention.
“She stated this, days after the Penang government gave the green-light for Thaipusam and the National Security Council released special SOPs for the celebration.
“Why should she ban the procession, and not the health or defence minister? Did she not discuss this with other ministers? Or is she paving the way for some other politicians to gain credit?” he said.
On December 7, Halimah while answering queries by V. Sivakumar (Batu Gajah-PH) in the Dewan Rakyat on the upcoming festival, said that the Thaipusam and Chingay processions will be banned next year due to the threat of the new Omicron variant.
Thaipusam is a festival celebrated by the Hindus on the full moon of the Tamil calendar of ‘Thai’ (January/February).
The festival commemorates the act of Hindu goddess Parvati presenting the Vel (divine lance) to her son Lord Muruga as an embodiment of her shakti (power) to defeat the evil asura (demon) Soorapadman, representing the triumphant battle of goodness over evil. – The Vibes, December 10, 2021
