GEORGE TOWN – Indian community elders have requested that the Penang Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB) and Nattukottai Chettiar temple trustees make peace following the controversial silver chariot procession during Thaipusam last week.
Both parties got into a public spat after the temple ignored a state directive to not hold any processions.
The trustees had sought the federal government’s intervention, and got the nod from the National Security Council (NSC) for the chariot to undertake its journey, with regulations in place.
The move angered Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy, who is also PHEB chairman, who threatened to issue show-cause letters and even mulled the board’s takeover of the temple management.
Swami Ramaji of the Hindu Sevai Sangam in Kuala Lumpur said it is sad to see the two parties publicly fighting over the chariot procession.
“The matter is over, and let us not point fingers at each other. What is important is the future and the next course of action to avoid a recurrence. There is a point of compromise in every issue, and for all to move forward.
“Come to the table again and settle things amicably. I am saddened by the matter, and the public reaction is disheartening as it is not the right example to set for the younger generation.”
He added that seeking the advice of community elders and people with deep religious knowledge is important to avoid a repeat of such issues.
Penang Hindu Association president P. Murugiah expressed support for Swami Ramaji’s proposal for the two parties to come to the table and resolve the matter amicably.
He said Thaipusam celebrations in Penang are a heritage and tradition that survived two world wars.
All parties must look for ways to resolve the misunderstanding, he said.
“We are a minority community, and we need to adopt a forgive-and-forget approach when handling sensitive matters, especially religious matters. I can already see a split in the community over this issue.
“We should put a stop to this, and work together for the progress and betterment of the community.”
The silver chariot, which belongs to the Chettiars from Kovil Veedu in Penang Street, began its annual 7km journey around 3.30am on January 27, despite the Penang government’s stance on barring public Thaipusam celebrations, including the 164-year-old tradition of chariot processions, this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ramasamy has declared the silver chariot’s procession illegal as the event did not get state approval.
He was a strong critic of the about-turn by NSC and Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa to allow the public procession of the Thaipusam chariot to Batu Caves, Selangor. – The Vibes, February 3, 2021
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