PAS wishes Malaysian Hindus ‘Happy Thaipusam’

 

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan hopes this year’s Thaipusam festivities will be celebrated smoothly and safely. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Islamic party PAS today wished Hindus in Malaysia a happy Thaipusam, as the community prepares to mark the festival tomorrow.

Anticipating a large crowd for the processions in Penang this year, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan voiced hope that the festivities would be celebrated smoothly and safely.

“PAS believes that control, coordination and security will pose big challenges not only for the organisers, but also for the authorities and participants, to ensure that the festivities are properly managed and do not cause traffic congestion or road obstacles, as well as issues of cleanliness and others,” he said in a statement.

Takiyuddin also said that Thaipusam served as a manifestation of Malaysia’s diversity, fostering openness, moderation, tolerance, mutual acceptance and respect among its people.

“Without prejudice or passing judgment, such experience is a valuable asset and advantage for Malaysians, particularly in confronting the reality of the world’s diversity beyond our borders, compared to citizens of monocultural countries,” he said.

Acknowledging the potential for negative viewpoints, Takiyuddin said there was a need for moderation and urged all parties to avoid emotional conflicts and pointless polemics to maintain harmony.

However, he said openness, moderation and tolerance towards diversity should not be misconstrued as a “licence” to undermine Malaysia’s historical, cultural, and foundational values.

“Parochialism, extremism or excessive approaches are flaws that need to be tempered with moderation, common sense and courtesy, instead of louder voices or a confrontational stance,” he said.

PAS courted controversy in 2021 when its state government in Kedah would not declare a holiday for Thaipusam.

At that time, no other state government, except for the PAS-led Kedah administration, had revoked the holiday.

Thaipusam is a state holiday in Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Perak, Putrajaya and Selangor. It has been observed as an optional or occasional state holiday in Kedah since 2013.

One million Hindu devotees are expected to be in Penang from today until Friday to celebrate Thaipusam. - FMT