Mca Wades Into Thaipusam Holiday Fight

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Human resources minister M Saravanan (centre) and Kedah MB Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor (left) have been trading barbs over the Thaipusam holiday issue, with MCA’s Tan Teik Cheng joining in.ALO SETAR: MCA has waded into the fight between the MIC and the Kedah menteri besar over the state’s decision to cancel the Thaipusam special holiday, with vice-president Tan Teik Cheng saying it was “illogical” and disrespectful to Hindus.
Tan said Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor ought to understand that while the Thaipusam festivities have been called off, prayers are still allowed at temples but limited by Covid-19 prevention SOPs.
“By not having a holiday declared, are you telling the Hindu devotees that they can’t celebrate Thaipusam from home or go to the temple while complying with the SOPs set?
“The MB’s explanation is not logical and very confusing. The holiday given for Thaipusam is a sign of respect to Hindus in the spirit of inclusivity of Malaysia.
“Unfortunately, the decision by the Kedah state exco undermines the spirit of mutual respect and appreciation – the main features reflective of Malaysia,” he said in a statement posted on Facebook today.
Meanwhile, the war of words between MIC deputy president M Saravanan and Sanusi continued over the former’s use of a ministerial letterhead to address the controversy.
Sanusi had on Twitter criticised the human resources minister’s decision to slam him over the Thaipusam holiday issue in a statement that bore the ministry’s letterhead.
Sanusi said Saravanan should not get “things mixed up” all because he wanted to go on holiday.
To this, Saravanan said he had not seen such a “shallow” menteri besar before this.
“As the only Indian minister in the Cabinet, I am responsible for matters related to the community. There is nothing wrong with using my position to voice out issues affecting the Indians,” he said in a tweet.
Saravanan said Sanusi was the confused man. “Holidays also involve workers, hence it is not wrong for the human resources minister to raise the matter.”
Two days ago, Sanusi declared there will be no public holiday for Thaipusam in Kedah this year as all activities for the annual festival had been cancelled. - FMT

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