DAP leaders defend Nga against critics of 'carolling' at his ministry

Summary

• Various DAP leaders defend Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming over criticisms against Christmas carolling at the ministry.

• The leaders quote PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan’s Christmas greetings to question criticisms against Nga.

• PAS Youth leaders insist Nga’s action clearly demonstrates a lack of understanding of the fundamental principles of religious harmony.

Various DAP leaders have defended Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming against criticisms over a Christmas carol performance held at the ministry in Putrajaya.

Three DAP Central Executive Committee members - Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman, Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan, and Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali - in a statement cited reports that quoted PAS Youth vice-chief Muhammad Hanif Jamaluddin who yesterday cried foul over the event.

“The statement (by Hanif) contradicts the statement by PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan who welcomed the celebration of Christmas for its ‘…positive impact towards building a higher quality or moral Malaysian society based on noble and pure religious values’,” said the trio.

“This contradiction highlights that despite attempts to portray itself as an inclusive party, the reality is that PAS leadership, for the most part, does not respect the rights of Malaysians from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds.

“It is clear that all those involved in the performance were individuals celebrating Christmas, particularly those from Sabah and Sarawak, and no one was forced to attend the event,” they said.

Taking offence

Yesterday, Hanif in a Facebook post took issue with a video of the carolling performance where several Muslims are seen among the audience.

He said that Nga as the minister in charge should know that it is haram (forbidden) for Muslims to partake in festivities of other religions that go against the Islamic creed (akidah).

The video was a heavily edited clip lasting about one-and-half minutes posted by Nga on Christmas Eve and features staff members of his ministry singing “Jingle Bells” - a song about the thrill of riding on a sleigh through the snow - and the song “We wish you a merry Christmas”.

Commenting further, the DAP trio said PAS should uphold and defend the rights and interests of all ethnic groups as enshrined in the Federal Constitution, rather than dividing society through narrow political agendas.

“PAS is urged to embrace the Malaysian spirit in national politics and abandon extremist politics that fail to celebrate unity in diversity in our country.

“Indeed, it is this diversity that forms the cornerstone of our strength,” they stressed.

Other than Hanif, PAS Youth information chief Khairul Nadzir Helmi Azhar claimed Nga’s action clearly demonstrates a lack of understanding of the fundamental principles of religious harmony that should be respected.

“It also sends the wrong message to the general public, particularly Muslims, regarding the boundaries of participation in the celebrations of other religions.

“More worryingly, it creates an avenue for polemics that could threaten inter-religious harmony in Malaysia,” claimed Khairul.

‘Christians also civil servants’

DAP Youth vice-chief Raja Ahmad Iskandar Fareez also cited Takiyuddin’s Christmas greetings that highlighted Christians as the third-largest religious community in Malaysia, including bumiputera from Sabah and Sarawak.

Raja Iskandar pointed out that Christians also serve as civil servants including under Nga’s ministry.

“Does the PAS Youth vice-chief believe that Christians, including the minister and civil servants in the ministry, should not have the right to celebrate their festive day in a harmonious and inclusive manner?

“As a young leader, Hanif must set a positive example for Malaysian youths in embracing religious and cultural diversity in Malaysia.

“He should not become an agent of sowing divisions that exploits faith as a cheap political tool,” stressed Raja Iskandar.

Additionally, DAP Youth national publicity secretary Ho Chi Yang questioned whether there is a coordinated stance between PAS Youth and the party’s leadership.

“While Takiyuddin offers Christmas greetings, PAS Youth criticises government departments for celebrating the festival.

“Does this inconsistency stem from ignorance or an obsession with exploiting religious issues to heighten sensitivities among communities?” Ho questioned.

Fostering suspicion

Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid accused PAS of fostering suspicion and alienating Malaysians who hold dear the values of tolerance and respect.

“This pattern of stoking religious discord is nothing new for PAS.

“These baseless statements betray an ongoing effort to frame religious festivities as incompatible with Islam - a deeply flawed premise at odds with Malaysia’s inclusive identity.

“Malaysians must challenge these divisive narratives, demand credible evidence for such accusations, and stand firm in our commitment to the principles of unity and harmony that have long guided our nation forward,” she said.

In his speech, Nga congratulated his staff for making the best-decorated lobby of all the ministries and lauded the diversity of the festivities celebrated there.

He noted that the lobby had been bedecked with Aidilfitri, Deepavali, and Christmas decorations over the past year, and will soon feature Chinese New Year decorations too.

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