Authorities challenged on religious policies

Authorities at both federal and state levels have been called upon to avoid policies that restrict religious freedom.

Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) vice president and Central Youth chief Datuk Michael Tiang expressed shock at the Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS) pulling out of TVS’s ‘Christmas Carol, Sarawak in Diversity’ programme.

“Christmas, like Deepavali and Wesak Day, should be celebrated according to its religious traditions,” Tiang said.

He highlighted ACS’s withdrawal from the TVS programme due to a song change refusal.

“The authorities’ rejection of ‘O Holy Night’ in favour of ‘Jingle Bell Rock’, citing its religious nature, is surprising and concerning,” he said during press conference at a State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today (Nov 24).

Tiang, also Deputy of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, noted such restrictions conflict with Article 11 of the federal constitution, guaranteeing religious freedom.

“Rejecting religious elements in festival celebrations is unprecedented and unconstitutional,” he added.

ACS’s statement earlier revealed that TVS’s decision, allegedly based on Lembaga Penapisan Filem (LPF) and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) guidelines, was contradicted by Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi on Twitter, who denied MCMC’s involvement in such censorship.

Tiang urged for respect and honour of religious practices, especially in Sarawak’s multiracial society.