GEORGE TOWN – The Golden Chariot during Thaipusam – which was introduced by the previous Penang Hindu Endowment Board – will be retained by the present leadership led by Jelutong MP R.S.N Rayer despite the past controversies surrounding it.
But Rayer, a lawyer who specialises in criminal litigation, said that the board will seek to restore close ties with the Chettiar community leaders, who have for centuries operated the Silver Chariot during the same Hindu festival in Penang.
“There are no plans to scrap the Golden Chariot. The past practises of having two chariots during Thaipusam (since 2020) will likely continue. It is just that we will do it on better terms and understanding with the Chettiars to avoid any misgivings,” Rayer said.
Rayer has taken over the endowment board after its previous chairman P. Ramasamy, the former deputy chief minister II, was not fielded by DAP to contest in the recent state election.
Ramasamy, a former three-term Prai assemblyman, subsequently quit DAP and Pakatan Harapan, as he disagreed with the decision to sideline his allies M. Satees and David Marshall from the list of party candidates for last month’s election.
The decision by the previous board proved controversial in 2020 after the Chettiar community grew unhappy that the new chariot could be undermining their own Silver Chariot, which was a common feature in Penang’s Thaipusam festival.
Rayer said this after hosting a town hall session with the Hindu community at the city hall of the Penang Island City Council (MBPP).
The board also held a similar community engagement event in Butterworth later.
Among the issues raised were the need for an audit of various accounts, greater transparency in funds disbursement and aid for students as well as providing welfare aid.
Rayer said that this was the first time that the board had organised a town hall session.
And based on the engagement level, he is pleased that the Hindu community is willing to extend their cooperation, so the temples and their faith are well managed here.
The board currently manages 14 temples across the state and proceeds from donations and grants it receives are also channelled towards offering student aid and welfare.
Rayer said that the new board commissioners would be cognizant of the issues raised and work hard to offer solutions, but he also cautioned that the board’s primary role is in managing the religious festivals and the temples under its care.
The other aspects are the board’s commitment to help the needy.
He added that the board will also look to allow the local community leaders to be absorbed into certain temples so there is familiarity among the neighbourhood devotees.
Earlier, Rayer told the audience that the board will be transparent in its dealings and every decision will be made through the board.
This will avoid any future complications in its dealings, said Rayer.
The endowment board was first formed in 1906 under the state Hindu Endowments Act as a state statutory body.
It was revived in 2008 and has since become a focal organisation in helping the Hindu community organise and manage religious festivals, temples and shrine sites. – The Vibes, September 17, 2023
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