KUCHING, Nov 24: The Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS) has withdrawn from participating in an upcoming Christmas programme after the organiser allegedly refused to ACS’ request to change the carol song of ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ to ‘O Holy Night’.
According to ACS chairman Reverend Datuk Danald Jute, the rejection of their request was “due to the religious elements and also due to the protocol from LPF (Film Censorship Board) and MCMC (Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC)”.
The ACS has been invited to join the ‘A Christmas Carol, Sarawak in Diversity’ programme, organised by TVS and supported by the Unit of Other Religions (Unifor) of the Premier’s Department, to be held on Dec 3 at Padang Merdeka and expected to be officiated by Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
In an official letter addressed to the Premier’s Department, Danald expressed the ACS’s disappointment and difficulty in accepting the given reason.
“Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is about Christ. There is no Christmas without Christ. Thus, we have kindly requested TVS to change the song of Jingle Bell Rock to O Holy Night.
“In view of TVS being unable to grant this request, we find ourselves with no choice but to withdraw from participating in this programme.”
Danald also mentioned that the ACS had indicated their stand and position on the matter to TVS and Unifor director Datu Jack Aman Luat. — DayakDaily
