Hua Zong denies taking part in talks with govt on CNY ruling

 

Hua Zong has denied that it took part in discussions with the National Unity Ministry to formulate the controversial standard operating procedure (SOP) for Chinese New Year celebrations.

In a statement today, Hua Zong president Goh Tian Chuan (above) said his organisation was neither invited nor participated in the talks on Jan 12 and 18.

As such, he expressed puzzlement as to why the ministry issued such a statement.

Goh would like the ministry to clarify its claims to prevent any confusion.

"Our principle is that the government must respect and maintain the traditional customs of the Chinese New Year, including the reunion dinner and the religious ceremony by the families," he said.

Earlier today, the National Unity Ministry said it would appeal to the National Security Council on the SOP for CNY celebrations after hearing the public's views and appeals.

The ministry admitted to drafting the SOP after discussing with Hua Zong and 20 other religious and Chinese cultural organisations.

Goh disagreed with the CNY ruling which stated that celebrations and reunion dinners must be confined to members of the same household who are living together.

He urged the government to rectify such mistakes and listen to the people.

"For those who are living in the same zone but not under one roof should be allowed to have reunion dinner together," he said.

Meanwhile, Fo Guang Shan Buddhist organisation's venerable Jue Cheng admitted that the group was invited to the discussions but it only attended the first meeting on Jan 12.

She confirmed that there were two meetings, and several NGOs had attended the meetings.

Several politicians on both sides of the aisle have questioned the ban on family visits for the celebration when other business sectors are allowed to open.

National Unity Deputy Minister Ti Lian Ker also took to social media to vent his frustration on the SOP.

"This SOP must be quickly withdrawn and rectified. This is not an SOP but a forbidden city," said the MCA senator. - Mkini