By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 20: Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has questioned a purported ban by Melaka religious authorities on Christmas decorations at halal-certified eateries and hotels in the state.
He expressed bewilderment at the move, describing it as narrow-minded and stating that such displays would not compromise the faith of Muslims.
“Those who had pressed for the ban should learn to have an open mind, especially in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. Otherwise, it would be better for them to live alone on an island as hermits,” he said in a report by Free Malaysia Today.
Abdul Karim noted that halal-certified restaurants and hotels frequently welcome patrons of various faiths and often put up festive decorations during celebrations. Decorations for Hari Raya, Deepavali, and Chinese New Year, he added, had never triggered complaints.
“So why the ban on Christmas decorations? How paranoid are these people?” he asked, stressing that Christmas decorations do not weaken or affect Muslim faith.
The controversy arose after reports surfaced of a circular allegedly issued by the Melaka Islamic Religious Affairs Department, instructing halal-certified hotels and eateries not to display Christmas decorations. The circular reportedly stated that Christmas is a religious celebration, not a cultural one, and could potentially cause ‘faith-related issues’.
Political leaders have since criticised the purported directive. Ayer Keroh assemblyman Kerk Chee Yee said the circular, if genuine, would be a backward step for Melaka, while United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) Youth chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh called for its review, noting that festive decorations have no impact on halal food. — DayakDaily
