Like Christmas last year, Islamic party Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) has once again turned heads with its latest festive greeting, this time to the Hindu community.
This comes as PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin bin Hassan released a lengthy statement on Facebook wishing Malaysian Hindus “a smooth and safe Thaipusam”, which will be celebrated across several states today.
PAS says ‘Happy Thaipusam’ to M’sian Hindus
In the statement, Takiyuddin said he hopes to see a smooth and safe celebration of Thaipusam as it’s set to attract over 1 million people in Penang alone.
“PAS believes that control, coordination and security will pose big challenges not only for the organisers, but also for the authorities and participants, to ensure that the festivities are properly managed and do not cause traffic congestion or road obstacles, as well as issues of cleanliness and others.”
He also added that the celebration of Thaipusam is a testament to Malaysia’s diversity which brought enrichment to its social fabric as well as fostered openness, moderation, tolerance, mutual acceptance and respect among its people.
Without prejudice or passing judgment, such experience is a valuable asset and advantage for Malaysians, particularly in confronting the reality of the world’s diversity beyond our borders, compared to citizens of monocultural countries.
While acknowledging that there was room for “negative viewpoints” to arise, Takiyuddin said that those views will remain at bay as long as moderation was practiced.
Nevertheless, he warned that openness, moderation and tolerance towards diversity isn’t a “license” to challenge the country’s historical, cultural, and foundational values.
Thaipusam controversy in Kedah
Back in 2021, PAS caused an uproar when Kedah MB Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor announced that Thaipusam will not be declared as a holiday in the state due to MCO.
The move attracted harsh criticism from many parties, most notably from the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), where its vice-president Datuk Tan Teik Cheng called the move “illogical and confusing”.
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