PETALING JAYA: The choice on the present Thaipusam normal working process (SOP) did not solely rely on ideas from ministers, says Datuk Seri M. Saravanan.
The MIC deputy president stated he and National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique had solely forwarded the proposed SOP to the Quartet Ministers’ Meeting on Covid-19 and the finalised SOP was determined by the National Security Council (NSC) and Health Ministry.
Saravanan, who can be Human Resources Minister, added that he was disheartened with feedback from some quarters of the Indian neighborhood claiming he did not ship their message to the federal government.
“I am disappointed to see the reaction from the Indian community putting the blame on me with regard to the Thaipusam SOP,” he stated in response to allegations on social media.
“Some even asked why shopping malls and night markets were permitted to operate fully but not Batu Caves,” he stated, including that the issues had been equally vital to be addressed.
Saravanan was talking at a press convention along with Halimah at Batu Caves on Tuesday (Jan 18) after the launch of Thaipusam celebrations at Sri Maha Mariamman Temple.
Halimah stated the ministry might solely submit the proposed SOP to the Quartet Ministers’ Meeting but it surely was not to provide the approval.
“When we were told to submit proposed Thaipusam SOP in December, we were advised to hold talks with temple chairmen nationwide, which we did, and the findings were the final SOP proposed to the NSC,” she stated.
She added that the prevailing SOP for non-Muslim homes of worship would take impact once more on Jan 20, after Thaipusam SOP ended on Wednesday (Jan 19).
According to Saravanan, regardless of the Indian neighborhood not being totally proud of the SOP set in place, the devotees have proven nice compliance with the rules on Tuesday (Jan 18).
He additionally conveyed his gratitude to Halimah and her ministry in addition to the authorities which were working to maintain the compliance in place.
Similarly, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, on his annual go to to Batu Caves for Thaipusam, reiterated that Saravanan did not have the authority to make choices concerning the set SOP.
“I understand the concerns raised by the Indian community regarding the strictness of the SOP where there were restrictions to the total number of visitors and devotees carrying the kavadi.
“In light of that, there should be more leniency given under the condition that there will be no further spread of the virus,” he stated.
Additionally, Emergency and Medical Services head Datuk AT Kumarajah stated the general public additionally confirmed nice compliance with the SOP set.
“We hope that today’s celebration will inspire both the public and government regulators to carry out future celebrations with more ‘normality’,” he stated.
by 
