Updated CNY SOP likely to be announced on Monday (Feb 8), says religious group leader

 

PETALING JAYA: An updated version of the standard operating procedure (SOP) on Chinese New Year is likely to be announced on Monday (Feb 8), says a religious group leader.

Federation of Taoist Associations Malaysia president Tan Hoe Chieow, who consulted the National Unity Ministry on Friday (Feb 5), said the minister is likely making the announcement.

“It’s more appropriate because it is a workday, ” he said.

Tan, who attended the first of two dialogue sessions organised by the National Unity Ministry on Jan 12 to discuss the festive period's SOP, said that the government had never made known to him or others who were also in the meeting of their decision.

“We have given our input and it is up to them what they want to accept and implement.

“It is not right to assume that we have all agreed to the SOP. We only went to the meeting and gave our views.

“The final decision is up to the minister and the government, ” he said.

During the dialogue session, which was held through Zoom, Tan said suggestions for the SOP for places under MCO and conditional MCO were discussed.

“There were initial suggestion to limit Chinese New Year visits to 20 people and also depending on the size of the house.

“We also talked about the government limiting temple prayers to only five committee members.

“We gave our views and input but we were not told of the final decision, ” he said, adding that the federation was not invited for the second session on Jan 18.

Similarly, Malaysian Han Cultural Association president Datuk Goh Hin San, who attended both meetings, and Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce vice-president Datuk Joseph Lim, who was at the first one, also said no decisions were made at the time of the dialogue sessions.

“We only gave them suggestions and not make decisions. This must be clear, we don’t have the power to make any decision.

“The National Security Council made the decision and they shouldn’t blame us, ” said Goh.

Lim also said no decision was made during the meeting, which was to “gather opinions and information”, adding that the notice for the second meeting was too short that they could not make it.

On Thursday (Feb 4), the government announced the SOP for Chinese New Year, allowing only for those living in the same house to celebrate together, including the reunion dinner.

Prayers at temples are not allowed with the exception of five of its committee members.

Activities such as lion dance, lantern procession, Chingay and other stage performances are also prohibited.

Visits and cross-border travel will also not be permitted during this Chinese New Year.

Following a public backlash however, the ministry clarified that it had engaged with 21 religious associations and Chinese cultural associations before coming to a decision. - Star