Huazong optimistic of ‘new and better’ guidelines

PETALING JAYA: The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) has welcomed and supported the initiative to conduct more dialogue sessions to draft a “new and better” Chinese New Year guidelines that is more acceptable to all.

Huazong president Tan Sri TC Goh said they lauded the National Unity Ministry’s initiative to gather the views of the community and relay them to the National Security Council.

“We are glad with the ministry’s assurance that ‘any consideration given to the views and pleas will be incorporated into the Chinese New Year standard operating procedure and will be announced by Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

“Huazong would also like to reiterate our stand that the government must continue to respect and preserve the Chinese community’s long established cultural and religious traditions of having reunion dinners with family members, and to conduct religious

rituals to pay homage to our ancestors and Chinese deities at home, ” he said in a statement.

Goh’s response came following a statement from the ministry that the SOP was drawn up after discussions with representatives from 21 religious bodies, Chinese cultural associations and Chinese chambers of commerce, as well as representatives from Sabah and Sarawak.

The sessions were held on Jan 12 and 18.

Goh said Huazong was not invited, so they did not send any representatives.

He also said the group was well aware of the impact of Covid-19 and fully supported the government’s decision to continue with the movement control order and SOP during the Chinese New Year period.

“However, when there are some shortcomings in the SOP which caused dissatisfaction among the people, the government should take serious note of it and take immediate actions to rectify it.”

Citing an example, Goh said family members who living in different houses but in the same area, and within the 10km radius permitted under the MCO, or within an acceptable parameter, should be allowed to have reunion dinner together.

On Thursday, the government announced the SOP for the Chinese New Year, which falls on Feb 12, was to be celebrated among those living in the same house.

This included the reunion dinner, which is customarily held on Feb 11.

Prayers at temples were also not allowed, except for only five of their committee members.

Other activities such as lion dance, lantern processions, operas, stage performances, as well as cross-border travel were also prohibited.