Covid funerals: Unity Ministry criticised for not consulting non-Muslims

 

Malaysia Hindu Sangam has slammed the National Unity Ministry for purportedly “acting like a big boss” for non-Muslims in the country and making decisions for those communities without consulting them.

This comes after National Unity Minister Halimah Mohamed Sadique announced yesterday that, with the Housing and Local Government Ministry, RM1 million will be allocated for funeral arrangements of non-Muslims at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital One-Stop Centre (Pusara HKL).

“They are acting like a big boss, leader for all non-Muslims in the country. The ministry has no courtesy to discuss with us on how to deal with non-Muslims who died due to Covid-19,” said Malaysia Hindu Sangam president RS Mohan Shan, as reported by Focus Malaysia today.

Mohan said the Malaysia Hindu Sangam had been in talks with Health Ministry director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah over arrangements for Hindus who died from Covid-19.

This discussion, he said, was prompted by reports of funeral parlours price-gouging in the midst of the pandemic, burdening low-income communities.

However, with the National Unity Ministry's recent announcement, Mohan said it seems like the minister and chief secretary are making decisions on their own.

The ministry previously said RM500,000 of the allocation would be provided under the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (Mitra) and the rest would be under the Kampung Baru Development Programme for the funeral arrangements of Chinese and other non-Muslim bodies.

The ministry also said they are cooperating with two NGOs - the Malaysian Society for Disaster Victim and Yayasan Prihatin Wilayah - which will involve 60 volunteers helping Pusara HKL.

Mohan questioned the involvement of these NGOs in the government programme, as he said not much is known about them.

Also, when it comes to performing final rites for Hindus who died from Covid-19, he said such funds should not be allocated only to HKL, but to all public healthcare facilities in the country.

“Do they think there are only Hindus in Kuala Lumpur? The government should allocate them across Malaysia.

“And please consult religious bodies like Malaysia Hindu Sangam when dealing with a situation involving faith and belief systems.

“I find the lack of consultation very disturbing and upsetting,” he said. - Mkini