MIC should not politicize Deepavali for GE13

G Vinod | November 9, 2012

Opposition DAP is against MIC holding its Deepavali open house in Batu Caves and has criticised the party's attempt to use the festivities to gain political mileage.

 

PETALING JAYA: The Deepavali celebration this year turned political, as an opposition MP criticised MIC for its decision to hold its celebrations at the Batu Caves Temple.

DAP’s Teluk Intan MP M Manogaran said that no political party should use the temple ground to gain political mileage, especially during an auspicious day.

“Deepavali is a cultural and spiritual day. I urge all Hindus to avoid this political function. Let us go pray at Batu Caves before and after the event,” he said.

Yesterday, MIC president G Palanivel announced that the party would hold its Deepavali celebration at the Batu Caves temple on Nov 13, between 9am and 1pm.

They would also hold an open house event at the vicinity of the temple.

Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and other Cabinet ministers are scheduled to grace the function.

“We decided to hold the open house in Batu Caves because the place was a popular location for people to visit. When we choose the right place, more people will be able to come,” Palanivel told Bernama.

MIC secretary-general S Murugesan also defended the move and urged the public not to look at the celebration from a political perspective.

“It’s purely an event for all Indians to celebrate. There is no political campaigning and speeches scheduled for the day.

“Everyone is invited for the function. We are not saying only MIC members are allowed to attend it. There is no point politicising the matter,” he said.