MELAKA: Melaka DAP has also voiced its objections to a directive by Melaka religious authorities concerning Christmas decorations in halal-certified hotels and food premises, describing the move as unreasonable and inconsistent with state’s multicultural values.
State DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) chief Cassel Krishnan said the party respected the importance of halal certification to the Muslim community and acknowledged that Islamic religious affairs fall under the jurisdiction of state religious authorities.
“However, this directive appears to regulate the cultural expressions of other communities, creating confusion among businesses and posing a risk to Melaka’s tourism-driven economy as well as its reputation as an inclusive destination,” he said in a statement Friday (December 19)
Krishnan noted that Christmas has long been observed in the country not only as a religious occasion but also as a cultural and social celebration embraced by the wider community.
“To suddenly portray festive decorations as religious reflects a narrow and superficial understanding of Christmas and risks undermining interfaith harmony," he said, adding that many hotels and international brands invest significantly in seasonal decorations and promotional campaigns.
Krishnan said that Melaka entrepreneur development, cooperatives and consumer affairs committee chairman Allex Seah Shoo Chin would raise the matter with Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
Earlier, Melaka education, higher learning and religious affairs committee chairman Datuk Rahmad Mariman clarified that hotels here are permitted to continue displaying Christmas decorations, with restrictions applying only to kitchens and restaurants that hold halal certification.
He explained that a circular issued to hoteliers regarding Yuletide-related decorations does not impose a blanket ban across hotel premises, but is limited strictly to food preparation areas and dining outlets that have been accorded halal certification.
“There is no prohibition on decorations in other parts of a hotel, including the lobby and common areas.
“Hotel management is free to decorate areas within their premises that do not carry halal certification," he said.
Rahmad was responding to public concern following a circular issued by the Melaka Islamic Religious Department (JAIM), which outlined guidelines on decorations in kitchens and restaurants within halal-certified hotels.
He stressed that the guidelines are intended to preserve the integrity and clarity of halal certification, and are not meant to prevent any community from celebrating its respective festive occasions.
