PETALING JAYA: PAS has extended its wishes to Hindus celebrating Thaipusam, calling for a smooth and safe festival for all.
"According to the Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB), the Thaipusam celebration this year, dubbed the 'Unity Thaipusam', is expected to attract a million people to Penang, including tourists," PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said in a statement Wednesday (Jan 24).
"As with many other religious or cultural festivals, Thaipusam serves as yet another manifestation of the diversity that enriches our country's social fabric.
"This adds value to the quality of experience and awareness of the people, especially concerning issues of openness, moderation and tolerance as well as mutual acceptance and respect.
"Nevertheless, there is no denying that at times, parochial and negative viewpoints regarding others will arise among individuals or groups, whether related to their beliefs, culture, political tendencies or even citizenship issues such as loyalty,” he added.
Takiyuddin said PAS holds the belief that such views will likely remain on the fringe, lasting only temporarily, if all parties continue to exercise moderation, instead of exaggerating it or being dragged into pointless polemics.
"It should be appreciated that openness, moderation and tolerance towards diversity do not grant any party the licence to ignore, belittle or even challenge the foundations of this country.
"Parochialism, extremism or excessive approaches are flaws that need to be tempered with moderation, common sense and courtesy, instead of louder voices or a confrontational stand," added Takiyuddin.
