The controversy over an 'unofficial ban' over the use of Christian symbols and biblical phrases has left some wondering exactly what transpired between government officials and church representatives during preparatory discussions for an upcoming open house.

On Saturday, malaysiakini reported the furore caused by a decision to exclude mention of Jesus' name in Christmas carols and the use of Christian symbols at the national-level open house to be hosted by the Arts, Culture and Heritage Ministry in Petaling Jaya on Dec 25.

Yesterday, the New Straits Times quoted Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Dr Rais Yatim as denying that any ban had been "issued officially or unofficially", and as saying that there is "nothing wrong in singing songs such as Silent Night and Merry Christmas " as they are "joyous songs for the festival".

The newspaper also claimed it "understands that the issue may have arisen out of assumptions made over protocol for functions" involving the King and the prime minister.

Members of the organising committee for the tourism event, touted as a made-for-TV extravaganza, comprise representatives from the Selangor government, the church and the ministry.

Dr Lim Thuang Seng, the Selangor exco member in charge of tourism, health and consumer affairs was unavailable for details of the event.

However, his office said that Lim, who is state assemblyperson for Bukit Gasing, was only involved in organising the programme prior to the arrival of the King and other government dignitaries.

"After that, the programme until the countdown at midnight will be handled by the federal government," said an aide.

When contacted, Rev Fr OC Lim, who first spoke to malaysiakini about the matter late last week, said the church leadership should have "clarified the source and the authenticity" of the so-called ban instead of taking it at face value.

"The Christian leadership should be more vigilant and alert to such future 'informal ban' in these and other matters," he said.

"It should not take everything lying down and should really try to clear the confusion at the preliminary stages on any church-related matter."

Kuala Lumpur Archbishop Rev Murphy Pakiam was not available for comment.

'Not sensitive issue'

Community development consultant Aloysius Pinto said he first heard about the issue at morning mass two Sundays ago.

"Most parishioners were angry when they learnt about it. Many offered to sign a petition while others wanted to carry protest placards at the venue of the open house celebration," he told malaysiakini in a telephone interview.

"Earlier, we had planned to launch a signature campaign but we have shelved the idea following the minister's denial of any such conditions."

Pinto, nevertheless, reminded the government to be more careful when implementing policies.

"It appears that someone somewhere along the line of implementation has bungled."

He said that although the new government appears to be more open, policy implementation "still carries a lot of baggage".

"At the same time, we should not underestimate the present administration because the PM has responded promptly to rectify certain situations."

Pinto said that, while the matter appears to have been resolved, there are still many unanswered questions.

"Why didn't the church representatives handle the issue during the preliminary discussion? If it is about protocol, then the details should have been clarified on the spot," he said.

"Maybe it's time for reflection among church leaders about what matters most."

He also denied that this was a sensitive issue.

"The question is, sensitive to whom? I think such issues, which are essentially human rights issues, should be openly discussed for the better understanding of all Malaysians."

Losing the meaning

The so-called ban irked many local Christians who believe that it defeats the true meaning of Christmas as the birthday of Jesus Christ.

Following Lim's hard-hitting complaint to the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM), its general secretary Rev Dr Hermen Shastri had explained that certain compromises were necessary in a multi-racial society.

Lee Min Choon, legal advisor to the CFM and the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship, said Rais' statement should be taken for what it is.

"It means that churches can celebrate Christmas as they have been doing all along. Otherwise, the very meaning of the occasion will be lost," he said when asked to comment on the 'ban'.

"Now, everybody should take the government at its word and celebrate Christmas the way they normally celebrate and express their religious faith."