Allow Only Genuine Songkran Celebrations Says M Sian Siamese Group

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 It says recent incidents, including a brawl, have tarnished the true image and religious significance of the festival.
Petaling Jaya police said five men had been arrested after a brawl at a mall’s outdoor car park during a recent Songkran celebration.PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Siamese Association has called on the government to ensure that Songkran celebrations are only organised by parties who genuinely represent and understand the cultural heritage they aim to showcase
In a statement, the association condemned recent incidents during Songkran celebrations and stressed that they risked reducing the festival’s significance.
It stressed that Songkran is not merely a cultural event, but a celebration that carries religious significance and sacred traditional values to the Siamese people in Malaysia.
“Unfortunately, incidents such as those in Penang and (Selangor) have tarnished the true image and meaning of Songkran,” said the association’s president, Sam Maark Suvanphet.
“When such events are organised by those with little understanding of the tradition and cultural sensitivities, Songkran is reduced to a mere water festival – far removed from its original purpose and sacredness and became an immoral partying festival.”
He also urged the government and relevant authorities to show greater responsibility and sensitivity when evaluating applications for permits to organise such cultural events.
Suvanphet thanked the national unity ministry for organising the recent national-level Songkran celebration in conjunction with the 50th anniversary in Pengkalan Hulu, Perak.
He said the initiative not only recognised the cultural importance of the Siamese community, but also helped to prevent misinterpretation of the Songkran’s true essence.
He added that the association remained committed to working closely with all relevant authorities to ensure Songkran is preserved in its pure and meaningful form, in the spirit of honouring the cultural legacy of the Siamese community.
Yesterday, Petaling Jaya police said five men were arrested after a brawl at a mall’s outdoor car park during a recent Songkran celebration.
Police said the fight stemmed from a scuffle between participants while refilling water pistols.
Last week, the Penang City Council (MBPP) said action would be taken against the organisers of an incident where several women were reported to be dancing semi-nude at a tourist area in Batu Ferringhi during a Songkran celebration.
Deputy chief minister Mohamad Abdul Hamid said a show cause letter would also be issued to the event organisers. - FMT

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