T C Goh
KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) has called on the Terengganu Government to uphold the spirit of the Federal Constitution and respect diverse cultural practices within the state, including the religious and cultural activities of the non-Muslim community, and to treat them fairly and reasonably.
Its President Tan Sri T C Goh expressed deep regret and concern over the Kuala Terengganu City Council’s directive prohibiting female singers from performing on stage during the celebration organised by Kuan Ti Temple in Terengganu, in conjunction with the birthday celebration of the deity.
He opines that there have been inconsistencies on the side of the Terengganu Government and the Kuala Terengganu City Council when implementing their entertainment guidelines or regulations within the state.
“Their doubtful enforcement actions have led to confusion and drawn criticism,” he said.
He pointed out that the thanksgiving celebration conducted next to the temple was exclusively for the temple’s devotees and supporters (without the participation of any Muslims).
“Therefore, the relevant authorities should not have adopted an unnecessary, overzealous enforcement approach to interfere in the celebration, and later made an ‘u-turn’ when it came under criticism.
“Under the Federal Constitution, all ethnic groups have the right to practice and to preach their religious beliefs among believers. The Terengganu Government or the Kuala Terengganu City Council should not impose religious or Islamic policies on the non-Muslim community,” he stressed.
Noting that the country will be celebrating its National Day this month, he emphasised that, the spirit of mutual respect, understanding, acceptance and harmonious coexistence across religious and cultural sectors handed down by our forefathers (of all ethnicities), since the founding of the nation, should continue to be promoted.
“This sacred spirit should never be undermined by any individuals, groups or political parties, for whatever reasons there are!” he underscored.
In a statement issued today, Goh, who is also the President of the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS), stressed that both Huazong and the Chinese Assembly Hall of Terengganu expressed their concern and regret over the said incident. He also hopes that the Terengganu Government and its local authorities will pay due attention to and rectify this matter to ensure that similar incidents do not recur.
He emphasised that although the population of the Chinese community in Terengganu is only more than 20,000 people, which is about 2 per cent of the total population of over one million in Terengganu, the State Government and its local authorities should treat all groups well, regardless of who is in power.
Goh then noted that according to Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah, Chairman of the Terengganu Health, Housing and Local Government Committee, non-Muslims are exempt from complying with the relevant regulations and female singers and dancers can perform for non-Muslim audiences of both genders “but performances are limited to indoor or non-public venues.”.
“Since non-Muslims are exempted and the performance was in a non-public venue, the authorities should not make things difficult (for the Chinese temple),” said Goh.
