Ah, the great Malaysian Christmas controversy!

 

From Adnan D

While citizens sleep in their cars, wrestle with skyrocketing costs, or wonder if they’ll ever own a home, the nation’s intellectual heavyweights have found a new enemy to vanquish: Christmas carols. Forget poverty, homelessness, or the ever-deepening cracks in our education and healthcare systems.

The real danger, apparently, lies in the rendition of We Wish You a Merry Christmas performed by East Malaysian Bumiputeras. Truly, these are the battles that define a nation.

First up, we have PAS Youth’s vice-chief, bravely confronting the grave issue of Muslims possibly hearing secular Christmas songs in a government building.

Never mind that no one was coerced into attending or that the performers were thoughtfully chosen to reflect inclusivity. The outrage machine needed fuel, and what better than a harmless carol session? Clearly, a secret plot is afoot—one festive jingle at a time—to erode the foundations of Islamic faith. How scandalous! (Sarcasm fully intended, for those keeping track.)

And yet, in a twist worthy of a sitcom, PAS extends warm Christmas wishes elsewhere, celebrating shared values with Christians and praising the vibrancy of festive celebrations.

So, which is it? Are Christmas carols a threat, or are they acceptable as long as they’re not within earshot of government staff? The logical gymnastics here could win a gold medal at the Olympics. It’s almost as if their outrage is more about stirring division than addressing any genuine threat.

Adding to the circus, Melaka DAP Youth pose a cheeky yet poignant question: Should we ban shopping malls from playing Christmas music too? Perhaps we’ll next outlaw gingerbread cookies, red-and-green decorations, and Santa hats. Imagine the savings on holiday decor. But seriously, if inclusivity is deemed offensive, where does it end? Must we sterilise public spaces of all cultural expressions to appease the perpetually offended?

Meanwhile, Malaysians face far graver issues. Affordable housing is a pipe dream for many. Inflation continues to choke households. The middle class is shrinking faster than the local kopi o’s portion size. Yet, instead of addressing these existential challenges, we’re distracted by performative outrage over Christmas celebrations. It’s an insult to the rakyat, who deserve solutions, not sideshows.

Here’s a thought: instead of zeroing on who attended what or other forms of religious policing, why not focus on neglect and ineptitude? Ban it in fact.

Imagine a fatwa against leaders who prioritise petty distractions over meaningful governance. Picture a Malaysia where the focus is on eradicating poverty, improving public services, and fostering genuine unity—not on policing the decibel levels of festive cheer.

To those fanning the flames of this so-called controversy, a humble suggestion: take a long, hard look at what really matters. And to everyone else, a heartfelt Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May your celebrations be joyful, your troubles few, and your ears free from the din of misplaced priorities. - FMT

Adnan D is an FMT reader.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.