The national Hindu Endowment Board is often overseen by an official who is of Indian descent. And so it is strange that the government has chosen to entrust Datuk Mah Siew Keong with the task.
So it comes as no surprise that the move invites criticism.
Penang Deputy Chief Minister P. Ramasamy has said that he felt insulted that Mah was given the post.
But I am curious why he did not kick up a fuss when Xavier Jayakumar - a Christian - was given the portfolio to oversee Hindu temples in Selangor.
It must be noted that Hinduism is not exclusive to Indians. It is more than a religion. It is a way of life embraced by people of various ethnic backgrounds. One is able to see this during Thaipusam, where Chinese Malaysians and even foreigners fulfill their vows by breaking coconuts or carrying kavadis.
I am not certain, but Mah himself could be a practising Hindu or perhaps observes certain rituals. Perhaps, he is someone who is familiar with the faith.
As we move towards the era of multiracial politics, there should not be too much concern over such matters.
What matters more than Mah’s faith or skin colour is his ability to do justice to the portfolio and duties entrusted to him.
I, for one, have no doubt that he is capable of doing so. Hence, I wish him Good Luck and God Bless.
* Datuk Sri S. Vell Paari is the MIC strategic director. TMI
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