PERIKATAN Nasional should be a just and fair government and not fanatical when it comes to the issues of culture and religion, said an interfaith group.

Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) president R.S. Mohan Shan said that while the inception of the National Unity Ministry was welcome, it must fulfil its duties in a fair manner.

The ministry is headed by Halimah Mohamed Sadique, whose deputy was to have been Tiong King Sing. However, Tiong has rejected the appointment and is due to meet Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin tomorrow.

“This position (unity minister) is very important as it is to unite all races and religion,” Mohan told The Malaysian Insight, adding that she should be fair to all races.

Halimah is the Kota Tinggi MP.

Muhyiddin said Malaysia was known for its racial, cultural and religious diversity and unity among its citizens was paramount for the country to thrive.

Mohan said that while it is understood that the new government was predominantly Muslim, it must not ignore the rights of non-Muslims

He said there should be no restrictions when it comes to cultural practices and festivals.

“We hope that with this government there will be no issues like the people not being allowed to celebrate ponggol, put up tang lung (lanterns), or wishing one another ‘Merry Christmas’ or ‘Happy Deepavali’.”

In January the Education Ministry had issued a circular barring Muslim from participating in the ponggal celebration as it was celebrated by Hindus.

Also in the same month, SM Pusat Bandar Puchong 1 in Selangor came under fire for putting up lanterns in the school.

Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia’s (Putra) vice-president and lawyer Mohd Khairul Azam Abdul Aziz had threatened to report the school over the “religious” Chinese New Year decoration, which he said was “unconstitutional”.

Muslim parents complained about the decorations, which they deemed as an attempt to propagate a religion, said Khairul.

Mohan stressed that the council is ready to work with ministry as they respect all religions.  

“We respect their religion and we expect the same in return. We want two-way communication and we also hope that our views on issues will be heard.

Mohan said MCCBCHST representatives would like to meet the new minister soon to discuss working together. – March 11, 2020.