THE National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique has been urged to review her decision not to allow the chariot procession during the Thaipusam festival which falls on Jan 18 next year.
Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy said the reason given by Halimah for the ban due to the threat from the new Covid-19 Omicron variant does not really justify her decision.
“Halimah said this when she was replying to a question raised by Batu Gajah MP Sivakumar Naidu during the Parliament sitting yesterday.
“The question was whether chariot procession will be allowed in this year’s Thaipusam.
“I am shocked that Halimah would make such a categorical statement in denying the chariot procession, which is the principal aspect of Thaipusam,’’ Ramasamy said during a press conference today.
“Halimah said after consultating with the Hindu representatives from Kedah, Penang, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, it was decided to call off the chariot procession during Thaipusam,” he said.
Ramasamy said Halimah’s consultation with the Hindu leaders was just a general discussion on the festival.
“I don’t think they supported the idea of cancelling the chariot procession nor did they give Halimah the mandate to cancel the chariot procession.
“She should not use the consultation as the basis as to why the chariot procession had to be cancelled.
“Halimah, being not a Hindu, might not be in a position to appreciate the significance of the chariots during Thaipusam,’’ he said.
Ramasamy said the Thaipusam chariot procession should be allowed if the pandemic slows down.
“We are not in the same phase of the pandemic like how it was earlier this year.
“The vast majority of Malaysians have received their vaccinations now, and they will be also getting their booster shot.
“We are in phase four of the National Recovery Plan that has allowed functions and gatherings to return to normal.
“If elections could be held, what is wrong in having the chariot processions?
“It is not that we should let our guard down in facing the Omicron variant. Staying vigilant is definitely our priority.
“I urge Halimah to change her stand. If not the Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) will have no choice but to defy the federal directive.
“At the same time, I think that there might be a political game behind the announcement,’’ added Ramasamy.
Meanwhile, PHEB executive director Datuk M. Ramachandran said there was no discussion pertaining to imposing a ban on the chariot procession during the consultative meeting with the minister.
“During the entire meeting on Dec 2, which lasted for about three hours, discussion on not allowing the chariot procession did not take place.
“Instead, everybody agreed on chariot processions with some conditions imposed.
“So, I want to ask the minister now, who are the Hindu leaders that she was referring to,’’ Ramachandran added.
Story & Pix by Tanushalini Moroter