THE Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS) today made a U-turn from its decision to boycott the December 3 “A Christmas Carol, Sarawak in Diversity” show at Padang Merdeka in Kuching.
ACS chairman Datuk Danald Jute issued a press statement today saying ACS will be taking part in the event.
“ACS will take part following a call from Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg for the event to go on,” he said.
On November 24, ACS had withdrawn from the event being organised by TV Sarawak and Unit for Other Religions in Premier’s Department.
Jute had then said ACS was unhappy that the organisers wanted to play the theme song of “Jingle Bell Rock”, which it felt has nothing to do with the birthday of Jesus Christ.
“We wanted ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ replaced with ‘O Holy Night’, which is more appropriate” to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
“‘Jingle Bell Rock’ has nothing to do with Jesus Christ,” he said.
Jute said the organisers insisted on “Jingle Bell Rock”, and asserted it could not play “O Holy Night”, in accordance with instructions by the Film Censorship Board and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.
“With this ACS will not take part in the event,” he had said then.
That evening, TV Sarawak issued a public response and said it will include the “O Holy Night” song as requested by ACS.
Jute today said ACS will support the call by Abang Johari to take part in the December 3 show. – The Vibes, November 29, 2023
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