TV Sarawak (TVS) said “a miscommunication” among the parties involved in organising a Christmas carol programme is what caused the Association of Churches in Sarawak to turn down the invitation to take part in it.

The ACS, which represents the major Christian churches in the state, had turned down the December 3 invitation to the “A Christmas Carol, Sarawak In Diversity Programme” in Kuching after the ACS president, Anglican bishop Danald Jute, said the state-owned TV station refused to entertain their request to change just one Christmas carol – the pop-rock song “Jingle Bell Rock” – to the more traditional “O Holy Night”.

“We would like to clarify that a miscommunication has transpired among the parties involved in the programme,” the TVS and Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) statement released late this afternoon stated.

 “It is imperative to highlight that the organisers have no intention of excluding the said song (“O Holy Night”) from the programme and in fact they are working to include the said song and are diligently preparing all the necessary elements for its performance,” the joint statement said.

It said the main objective of the programme was to create a Christmas carol-themed musical event, featuring the participation of 1,500 individuals.

“The aim is to showcase the essence of unity among Sarawak’s multi-racial diversity, embracing differences in race, religion, and culture.

“We wish to assure everyone that the production of this programme, scheduled for December 3, will proceed as planned and will be broadcasted on TVS on December 23,” the statement added.

It added that the understanding and support of all Sarawak residents were highly appreciated as “we strive to deliver an event that not only celebrates the spirit of Christmas but also emphasizes the unity within Sarawak’s rich and diverse community.

The statement came after Premier Abang Johari Openg reportedly instructed State Secretary Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki to talk to TVS and resolve the issue.

The programme is important to Sarawak as it showcases the state’s unity in religious diversity.

Earlier today, Jute, in a “leaked” letter to the organisers and Unifor director Jack Aman Luat informed them of the ACS’ decision, saying that since TVS was unable to fulfil their request to change the song the association felt that “we cannot participate in the programme”.

“Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is about Christ. 

“There is no Christmas without Christ,” he said.

Jute said TVS’ explanation as to why they could not accede to the request was that “it was rejected due to the religious elements and also due to the protocol from Lembaga Penapisan Filem (Film Censorship Board) and MCMC (Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission)”. He found this unacceptable.

Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil has come forward to say that MCMC has nothing to do with the refusal to allow “O Holy Night” to be sung at the event. – November 24, 2023.