CNY SOPs: Huazong says not invited to discussions

Kuala Lumpur: The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) said it was not invited by the National Unity Ministry to participate in discussions on the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration.

Its President Tan Sri TC Goh (pic) said the association did not send any representative to the discussions held on Jan 12 and Jan 18, as they were not invited.

He said he hopes the ministry will clarify its statement that Huazong “was part of 21 groups that it had discussions with” on SOPs for the Lunar New Year celebration.

Goh said the clarification would avoid unnecessary confusion.

“If we were invited by any relevant department or agency, Huazong would have sent our representatives to give our views and proposals,” he said in a statement.

Nevertheless, he welcomes and supports the Ministry’s announcement that it would forward views from the Chinese community over the upcoming CNY celebrations to the National Security Council (NSC).

“I welcome the Ministry’s initiative in conducting such dialogue sessions with the Chinese community to gather their views on the matter, and relay them to the NSC for it to draft a new and better Chinese New Year SOP that is more acceptable to all quarters.”

The CNY SOP announced by Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on Thursday has since drawn flak from the Chinese community.

Among the SOPs is a limited celebration to be held only at home, with family members living in the same house, with the same SOP applied for reunion dinners.

He said Huazong understands the Covid-19 situation in the country, and supports the need to implement SOPs during the Chinese New Year – but added that the Government must respect and preserve the Chinese community’s cultural and religious traditions, including having reunion dinners with family members and to conduct religious rituals at home.

“But the announced SOPs are flawed and have caused dissatisfaction, hence, the Government needs to listen to the views of the people and immediately rectify it.

“For example, those not living in the same house but in the same area within a 10km radius should be allowed to gather for the reunion dinner.”

He also reminded the Chinese community to always place the safety and health of their loved ones first, to remain vigilant and to comply fully with the SOPs issued by the Government while celebrating Chinese New Year under the new norms.