Education Ministry’s explanation on Ponggal doesn’t wash - You must be tolerant of our Intolerance!!!

Tolerance is a two way street

Malaysiakini : ‘First it was Chinese New Year decorations, now it’s Ponggal.’ Ponggal not banned in schools, circular to assuage Muslim concerns – Ministry 

Anonymous_4080: I believe Tamils and other rational, sensible Malaysians find that the "haram" label on Ponggal celebrations offensive. The label may be correct to dogmatic Muslims based on Islamic jurisprudence, but they are inconsiderate of others' feelings and perspectives. To normal Malaysians, attending or even participating in rituals or celebrations performed by other faiths and cultures does not, and will not, diminish one's own faith and values. It is simply a means to share the happiness of such events, and spread goodwill among ourselves for the good of humankind.

Proarte: From calling Ponggal a “haram” activity, the ministry today has done a volte-face and now advocates that “the culture and customs of different races should be known, understood and respected by all" - how nice. But damage and division have already been done but at least this is a form of damage limitation. Let us hope nonsensical behaviour will not raise its ugly head again.

By any criteria calling Ponggal haram is immoral and disgusting but Islam as it is practised in Malaysia appears to have a separate set of values which runs counter to logic and basic notions of justice and morality. The civil servants such as the deputy DG under the bogus excuse of Muslim family concerns about “spiritual contamination” by participating in an Indian harvest festival, has brought Islam into ridicule and public odium.

Fortunately, the idiocy of Jakim and the deputy DG has been exposed and chastised indirectly by the latest statement from the Education Ministry. I believe the directive came from Mahathir and we can see the little Napoleans in the Education Ministry and Jakim crawling back into the holes with their tail between their legs. No doubt there will be more of such statements in future under the camouflage of Islam but rational people should continue to condemn idiocy and immorality even if it is done in the name of religion.

Read it all here...................