PMO supports CNY decor in schools, whacks self-serving racists with political agenda

by Theleaders-Online | January 9, 2020 2:34 am

PUCHONG: The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) yesterday criticised politicians who stoke racial and religious tension by playing up the elaborate Chinese New Year celebration decorations in SMK Pusat Bandar Puchong 1, Selangor.

In a statement, the PMO reminded Malaysians that the Chinese New Year was a cultural celebration and not in any way an attempt to propagate non-Islamic teachings to Muslims.

The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, said it was a common practice in Malaysia for people to put up decorations to celebrate a festive occasions such as Eid Fitri, Chinese New Year and Deepavali.

“As we know, Malaysia is a multicultural society and we celebrate such events for many years now.

“Therefore, it is important for us to respect each others custom and cultural differences, which are invaluable to all of us,” it said.

On Tuesday, Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra) vice president Mohd Khairul Azam Abdul Aziz threatened SMK Pusat Bandar Puchong 1 to take down its Chinese New Year decorations.

The lawyer claimed that several Muslims parents had complained to him that the decorations were an attempt to confuse their Muslim children.

The school principal, Rohani Mohd Noor succumbed to pressure and announced that the school would remove the decorations, citing it did not receive her approval.

However, the Education Ministry issued a statement yesterday that it had no issues with such decorations, [1]adding such practises were encouraged under its student integration plan for unity.

By Fifi Harteeny Marzuki

Endnotes:
  1. the Education Ministry issued a statement yesterday that it had no issues with such decorations, : https://theleaders-online.com/education-ministry-drubs-right-wing-politician-backs-cny-decorations-in-schools/

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