GEORGE TOWN: Penang’s Thaipusam chariot procession remains a no-go despite the permission given by the National Security Council (MKN) to the Batu Caves temple to have its chariot procession.
Deputy Chief Minister P Ramasamy criticised MKN’s decision in Batu Caves, saying the move has set a bad precedent where other states such as Penang could also demand that their chariot processions go on.
He said the Nattukottai Chettiars, who run the silver chariot, have now written to the chief minister to ask permission for a similar procession, scheduled to begin early morning tomorrow.
Ramasamy said their request would be deliberated by the state executive council which convenes tomorrow – hours after the event is scheduled to happen.
Under the chettiars’ plan, the chariot would leave Kovil Veedu in Penang Street at 3.30am and reach its destination at Waterfall Road by 6.30am.
Ramasamy said that in the event the silver chariot is allowed, then other parties such as the Penang Hindu Endowment Board, which he heads, might also demand permission for their golden chariot to be allowed.
He also slammed the chettiars for their about-turn over the chariot procession this year. He said they had been in full agreement when the decision to cancel the procession was made in a meeting with the Penang-level MKN.
“It is irresponsible to hold processions during a pandemic. We urge the MKN to be responsible and not have double standards and play politics over life and death matters,” he said.
“I for one want to save Penangites and Malaysians from contracting Covid-19. I do not want to make populist decisions,” he added.
In a letter to chief minister Chow Kon Yeow, the Nattukottai Chettiars have appealed to be allowed to have the silver chariot procession at 3.30am tomorrow and the returning journey at 10pm on Jan 29.
They pledged to only have 10 people with the chariot.
“For your information, the chariot has been going on for close to 150 years now and this has never stopped even once during the World Wars and even the Emergency period before,” the letter read.
Meanwhile, Ramasamy said devotees can catch the prayers at the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple, the seat of the annual Thaipusam prayers on Astro, and they would be aired live on Facebook.
He said those wanting to make archana or offerings can do so online, by sending their names, nakshatra and Rashi (birth star and zodiac sign) to 014-3500638 or 011-26523916 via WhatsApp.
Those wanting to do so are to make a minimum RM10 donation to the temple by banking in to CIMB Bank account number 8004080562 under the account of “Committee of Management, Waterfall Temple”.
The live prayer session is also available at www.waterfallmurugan.com. - FMT
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