Official word on updated CNY measures to be made soon: Malaysia Minister
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The setting of SOP for each non-Islamic festivities would involve the National Unity Ministry presenting a proposal to the NSC special meeting.
PHOTO: AFP
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PETALING JAYA (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - An official announcement on the standard operating procedures (SOP) for Chinese New Year will be announced soon, said Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong.
Datuk Seri Wee said that Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has taken heed of the concerns and disappointment expressed by various quarters on the recently-announced procedures.
"The government has heard your voice. This concern can be resolved in a safe and SOP-compliant manner. Let us all be patient and allow the official announcement to be made soon, " Dr Wee said in an Instagram post on Sunday (Feb 7).
In a picture in the post, Dr Wee, who is also president of the Malaysian Chinese Association, was seen having a virtual meeting at his office.
The National Unity Ministry said it received appeals from the community with regard to the issue of the reunion dinner, which traditionally takes place on the eve, which falls on Feb 11 this year.
It also received appeals to allow prayers at temples on Feb 11,12 and 19.
Earlier, the ministry said that it will put forward views by the Chinese community on the protocol for the Chinese New Year celebration to the National Security Council (NSC).
This followed criticisms from the Chinese community after the government announced a few days ago that only families from the same household are allowed to host reunion dinners despite permitting some sectors such as night markets to operate.
Additionally, prayers at temples are also not allowed except for five of the temple's committee members while lion dances, lantern processions, Chingay and other stage performances are prohibited as is cross-border travel.
The SOP caused an uproar within the Chinese community, especially among those whose family members live nearby.
Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob subsequently said he was puzzled by the criticism over the SOP, as according to him, discussions were held with the respective religious and cultural bodies.
The National Unity Ministry said that protocols for the celebration was drawn up after discussions with representatives from 21 religious bodies, Chinese cultural associations and Chinese chambers of commerce, as well as representatives from Sabah and Sarawak on Jan 12 and 18.
Among them are the Malaysian Buddhist Association, Association of Churches in Sarawak, Sabah Council of Churches, Fo Guang Shan, Malaysia Han Culture Centre, Huazhong Malaysia, as well as Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Halls.
The ministry also held discussions with the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce, Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce and Federation of Taoist Associations Malaysia.
However, groups which attended the meetings said they were not told of the eventual decision, as they were there only to give their views. They had said that they were caught off guard with the SOP that was announced.
Meanwhile, Melaka is trying to make things better by planning to allow inter-district travel, with Chief Minister Sulaiman Md Ali saying that the state will raise the matter at the state-level NSC meeting.
The proposed review, he said, would allow family members living in the state to organise reunion dinners.
"This is the time of the year when family members gather for an auspicious occasion. They should be allowed to do so, " he said. "No doubt public health is of utmost importance, but the state doesn't want to dampen the festive mood."
