Minister, DCM slam Kedah for cancelling Thaipusam public holiday

In separate statements yesterday, both Saravanan and Ramasamy said the cancellation of events associated with Thaipusam celebrations due to the Covid-19 pandemic should not mean there is no need for a public holiday.

“Malaysian Hindus are clearly upset and disturbed with the announcement made by the Kedah Menteri Besar (Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor) as it is a festival celebrated by Hindus based on the Hindu calendar.

“Just because we cannot go to the temple does not mean we cannot celebrate it at home. Furthermore, Thaipusam is not about visiting friends and family but a day to devote our time for Lord Muruga through prayers and paying of penance.

“Although this year Hindus are not allowed to go to temples, we can do our prayers at home and do the necessary to fulfil our vows due to the spread of the pandemic,” Saravanan said.

He acknowledged that the public holiday for Thaipusam is the state government’s prerogative, unlike national holidays that are under the federal government’s purview.

Nevertheless, Saravanan said, PAS, as a member of the ruling coalition, should have consulted the Indian representatives in the federal government before arriving at such a decision.

“I can vouch that MIC was never consulted on this move as MIC would not have allowed for such a decision to be implemented,” added the MIC deputy president.

Saravanan said the decision could hurt Perikatan Nasional’s chances in future general elections since many state constituencies in Kedah have sizeable Indian majorities.

Ramasamy echoed Saravanan’s objections to the cancellation.

He said although various forms of celebrations have been cancelled, this does not negate the religious significance of Thaipusam.

“Thaipusam will not be negated by the cancellation of events, but it would be celebrated in a controlled manner with prayers in the homes. Unfortunately, Sanusi seems not to understand the simple logic.

“He simply lacks the understanding to separate the cancellation of events associated with Thaipusam and the holiday meant to mark the event.

“The pandemic merely ensues the cancellation of events associated with it, but not the significance of the religious festival itself.

“Given this, why should he cancel the holiday or cuti peristiwa meant to fall on Thaipusam? It is none of his business,” Ramasamy said.

Yesterday, Sanusi reportedly announced that there would be no public holiday in conjunction with Thaipusam since the annual festivities have been cancelled.

This followed the implementation of the movement control order in the state, which would come into force on Friday.

Nevertheless, prayers in temples are still allowed, but attendance would be limited to one-third of the temple's capacity.

No kavadi carrying or other festivities will be allowed.

Normally, Thaipusam is observed as a state holiday in Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Perak, Putrajaya and Selangor.

However, Penang has called off the annual chariot procession held in the state due to concerns over the rising number of Covid-19 cases in the state.

On Jan 9, The Star reported that the Batu Caves Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is awaiting further directions from the National Security Council on how to proceed with this year’s Thaipusam celebration.