IPOH: A recent video of the Housing and Local Government Ministry staff singing Christmas songs to mark the celebration mostly involved Christians, says minister Nga Kor Ming (pic).
He said many of the staff members who sang Jingle Bells were those of Kadazan Dusun descent from Sabah, as well as employees from Sarawak.
He said the event is a reflection of the diversity of Malaysia’s society, as well as its strength and uniqueness.
He said this in response to PAS’ claims that the involvement of Muslim staff was not appropriate.
Nga stressed that the ministry celebrates all festivals, including Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Deepavali, Christmas and Chinese New Year.
“I urge certain political parties to (turn away from) from divisive actions,” he told reporters after launching the ministry’s Sentuhan Kejayaan programme at the Tambun parliamentary constituency in Meru Raya here yesterday.
“We will not succumb to bigotry or extremism but will continue to honour and respect our multicultural society.
“I advise PAS to stop exploiting religion and focus on fostering unity. I have seen videos of PAS leaders wishing Christians Merry Christmas.
“On the one hand, PAS extends its greetings; on the other, they try to stop Christians from celebrating Christmas. What is this? I don’t understand,” he added.
Nga said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had emphasised the importance of embracing cultural diversity as Malaysia’s strength.
“When we host Hari Raya celebrations, we invite everyone, including PAS leaders, and hope they will join us in harmony,” he said.
On Tuesday, Nga shared a clip of ministry staff singing Christmas songs, which has gone viral, at its main lobby in Putrajaya.
The next day, PAS Youth vice-chief Hanif Jamaluddin took issue with the ministry’s Christmas celebration.
Responding to a new regulation by the Kota Baru Municipal Council that food and beverage premises must obtain halal certification before renewing their business licence, Nga said the matter of halal certification is under the jurisdiction of the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim).He said the government encourages businesses to apply for halal certification but does not insist on it following a Cabinet decision.
“A small food vendor ... may find the cost of obtaining and renewing halal certification, including annual audits, burdensome,” he said.
According to Nga, it would be unhealthy if local councils start policing halal certification.
“All local governments must respect Jakim and ask for its advice to avoid any contradictions,” he said.
Nga said the ministry had already received complaints from operators in Kelantan.
“They want to know how non-Muslims selling non-halal food are going to apply for the certificates. Is the Kelantan government telling them to ‘close shop’?”
