NATIONAL Unity Minister Halimah Mohamed Sadique should not play politics with Thaipusam.

Despite the threat from the new Covid-19 Omicron variant, it is hardly a justification for the cancellation of the chariot procession in the coming Thaipusam festival, which falls on January 18 next year.

Batu Gajah MP N. Sivakumar had yesterday asked Halimah if there will be a chariot procession in this year’s Thaipusam.

Halimah said after consultation with Hindu representatives from states like Kedah, Penang, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, the government decided to call off the procession.

However, to mark the religious occasion, strict standard operating procedure (SOP) will be set.

I am shocked that Halimah would make such a categorical statement in denying the chariot procession, which is the principal aspect of Thaipusam.

In the absence of a chariot procession, the religious festival has no meaning.

At the height of the Covid-19 epidemic in January, the government cancelled the chariot procession.

But due to the subsequent intervention of Human Resources Minister M. Saravanan, the chariot procession was allowed for the Batu Caves and Chettiar temples in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

However, the Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB), which organises the golden chariot, stood its ground in not allowing the procession.

We stuck to the earlier decision that the procession was a health hazard, especially at the height of the pandemic.

However, the two temples mentioned went ahead to organise the procession, with the chariots literally dragged and pushed by uniformed personnel.

What a way to organise a chariot procession!

The unity ministry’s consultation with the Hindu leaders was just a general discussion on the coming Thaipusam.

I don’t think they supported the idea of cancelling the chariot procession nor did they give Halimah the mandate to cancel the chariot procession.

Halimah should not use the consultation as a basis to cancel the procession.

Not being a Hindu, Halimah may not be in a position to appreciate the significance of chariots during Thaipusam.

Without the procession, Thaipusam has no significance nor meaning.

It is the most conspicuous aspect of Thaipusam in honouring Lord Murugan, the Tamil God.

Unlike earlier this year, we are not in the midst of the pandemic.

The vast majority of Malaysians have received their vaccinations.

They will be getting booster shots soon.

Most of the states are in phase 4 of the national recovery plan.

To a great extent, normalcy has returned to the country, with cross-border travel, as well as functions and gatherings allowed.

If elections could be held, what is wrong in having the chariot processions?

It is not that the pandemic might not rear its ugly head.

It is not that we should let down our guard in the face of the new Omicron variant.  Vigilance is the order of the day.

As the epidemic slows down, chariot processions should be allowed for Thaipusam, with conditions and strict SOP.

I urge Halimah to change her stance. There could be political elements behind this announcement.

Perhaps, MIC leaders can use this announcement to initiate an appeal for the chariots to be allowed.

In this way, in anticipation of the next general election, MIC might get some credit for appealing against the government’s decision and the latter giving in to the appeal to enhance the standing of this miserable party in the eyes of the Indian community.

I don’t think Halimah is playing politics with Thaipusam. She is merely misinformed on the significance of chariot processions in Thaipusam.

It was the same thing in this year’s Thaipusam.

It was the last minute intervention by the MIC that surreptitiously allowed for the chariot procession in Penang and Kuala Lumpur.

If chariots can be allowed in Thaipusam this year especially in the thick of the pandemic, why can’t the minister allow the same for next year?

Halimah might be the minister of national unity, but her blatant disregard for the religious sensitivities of the Hindus is just appalling.

Is this way to enhance national unity among the races by being completely blind to the importance of chariot processions in Thaipusam?

I hope Halimah will change her mind. It will not be necessary to drag in the MIC to give them the credit.

If Halimah persists in not allowing the chariot processions, then the PHEB will have no choice but to defy the federal directive. – December 8, 2021.

* P. Ramasamy is Penang’s deputy chief minister.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.