KUALA LUMPUR – More elected representatives are criticising Perikatan Nasional over its Chinese New Year standard operating procedures, saying the government is being “ignorant” about the community’s customs.
PKR’s Semambu assemblyman, Lee Chean Chung, in a statement today highlighted a mistake in the SOPs relating to reunion dinners.
The SOPs initially marked the dinner on the first day of CNY, when traditionally, it is held on the eve.
“Although this mistake has been corrected, it shows that the PN administration lacks an understanding of every ethnic group in the country.
“Additionally, during CNY, there is no culture of having a ‘tanglung’ parade, as stipulated in the SOPs yesterday.”
He recommended a three-month course on ethnic relations for all cabinet members, adding that the Institute of Public Administration should educate civil servants on the matter as well.
Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin said the SOPs have caused confusion among the people, and urged the National Security Council (NSC) to set proper rules.
“Visiting on the first and second day of CNY is prohibited. But the rakyat is free to go to night markets and shopping centres. What is the logic?”
He was referring to NSC’s decision to allow night markets to operate from 4pm to 10pm.
With regard to barring the public from attending prayers at temples on the first two days of CNY, he asked about other activities celebrated by the Chinese in the days leading up to Chap Goh Mei.
“The SOPs show the weakness of NSC in understanding a diverse nation.”
In a statement, MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon said there is still time for NSC to adjust the SOPs.
“NSC should review and amend the SOPs to reflect guidelines that are reasonable, fair, and have taken into account the traditional customs of the Chinese community.
“The Malaysian Chinese community is not demanding additional favours or special treatment. We have already braced ourselves to forego the annual balik kampung for the CNY family reunion.
“We also have no issue with not visiting friends and relatives across districts and states.
“Likewise, the SOP limiting prayers at temples to only five temple committee members. The Chinese community feels discriminated against, as other religious activities (of other religions) are allowed to have 30 to 500 devotees, depending on the state.
“We are able to accept SOPs that reflect reasonableness and fairness.” – The Vibes, February 5, 2021
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