KUALA LUMPUR – Caretaker human resources minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan has urged the caretaker prime minister to allow teachers in Tamil vernacular schools an additional day off for the upcoming Deepavali celebration.
Saravanan, who said he had sent an official request on the matter to Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, also dismissed criticism of the government for calling the 15th general election (GE15) two weeks before the Deepavali festivities.
“I have asked the prime minister to consider giving a replacement day off for Indian teachers in Tamil schools,” he told reporters after officiating the Employee Accommodation and Facility Supervisor Programme here today.
Brushing aside the opposition’s criticisms as mere “theatrics,” Saravanan pointed out that there was “no way” polling day would clash with the celebration.
“The moment the dissolution (of Parliament) was announced, opposition politicians began their theatrics by harping on sentiments from the Indian community regarding Deepavali celebrations,” the MIC deputy president said.
“The Election Commission will only be meeting on October 20 (to decide key dates for GE15) and Deepavali is on October 24. This means that during Deepavali, there will not be an election day.”
Following the dissolution of Parliament on Monday, DAP’s incumbent Ipoh Barat MP M. Kula Segaran lambasted the move as dismissive of the interest of minorities, especially the Hindu community who will be celebrating Deepavali.
The DAP vice-chairman had also called on voters to unite and “punish Umno” for the “thoughtless and selfish act”, accusing the party of disrespecting the Indian community.
Saravanan, who is incumbent Tapah MP, also took aim at PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli for echoing issues raised by DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng.
“People get angry at me when I say that voting for PKR means that DAP will be in control, but when (Lim) claims that the foreign labour matters are unresolved, Rafizi will simply echo what is said,” he claimed.
“I will repeat to Rafizi what I told (Lim); foreign workers’ issues have been settled.”
Meanwhile, it was reported earlier today that MIC has decided to give up its bid for the Cameron Highlands parliamentary seat and will instead be fielding a candidate in Teluk Intan.
Saravanan confirmed the decision at a separate event today, where he also said that an official announcement on the matter will be issued by Barisan Nasional (BN).
BN had previously allocated Cameron Highlands as a seat for MIC to contest, but a 2019 by-election saw Umno’s Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor emerge victorious there. – The Vibes, October 12, 2022
