Kuala Lumpur, 25 Jan 2021, (The Capital Post)- In a press statement today, The Malaysian Hindu Youth Council (MBHM) described the Kedah State Government’s move to cancel the holiday of Thaipusam in the state as an improper act and Hindus in this country very upset and disappointed with the announcement by the Menteri Besar of Kedah YAB Tuan Haji Muhammad Sanusi MD Nor because Thaipusam celebration is a religious ceremony that is celebrated everyyear by Hindus throughout the country.
President of MBHM Mr Arunkumar Chengoden also stated that, “although his intention to help fight the Covid-19 pandemic was considered relevant but canceling Thaipusam holiday is irrational & baseless and MBHM is aware of the Movement Cotrol Order’s (MCO) instructions which the government announced and a ban on visiting places of worship, but it never did restrict the Indian community to fulfill their vows with their families in their respective homes”.
MBHM feels the action of the Kedah State Government to cancel the holiday of Thaipusam seems to be an oppression of the rights of Indian community in this country.
“As we all know, most states in Peninsular Malaysia including Kedah were previously given holiday for the Thaipusam celebration every year.
We take it note that the implementation of MCO throughout the country before this has never affected any form of celebrations based on religion, hence the Covid-19 pandemic reason applied for canceling this event leave is completely baseless”, added Arunkumar.
He also referred to previous involvement of Kedah Menteri Besar in the controversial invasion of Sri Muniswaran temple in Kuala Kedah and reminded that cancelation of Thaipusam Holiday will only cause added uneasiness among Hindus.
The MBHM calls on the Kedah Menteri Besar to lead the State Government and hold detailed negotiations and discussions with all parties involved before taking any decision.
The 72 year old council also emphasizes that the Menteri Besar should avoid addressing sensitive issues by using a proactive approach so as not to provoke racial division in the country.
MBHM appeals to the YAB Menteri Besar of Kedah to withdraw the intention to cancel the holiday of Thaipusam as a measure to maintain the harmony of the people of various races in the country.
In a recent press conference at Wisma Darul Aman, Menteri Besar of Kedah YAB Tuan Haji Muhammad Sanusi MD Nor have said there will be no public holiday for Thaipusam in Kedah and this have created a uproar from the Indian Community around the nation. – The Capital Post