JELUTONG MP R.S.N. Rayer, also the chairman of the Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB), refuted claims made in an English daily news article regarding a purported disagreement with Nattukotai Chettiar Temple over a single procession during Thaipusam.
In a press conference, Rayer emphasised the misleading nature of the article’s headline and urged its retraction, stating that the PHEB is committed to a unified Thaipusam.
“The article’s headline is both misleading and inaccurate, failing to accurately reflect PHEB’s dedication to a unified Thaipusam.
“I vehemently call upon the publication to promptly retract the article and rectify the misleading claims it contains,” Rayer said at PHEB in Macalister Road today.
Rayer clarified that the Nattukotai Chettiar Temple never demanded the cessation of the golden chariot procession, highlighting ongoing collaboration and coordination between PHEB and the temple.
Dismissing reported disagreements, he stressed their commitment to unity.
“The Nattukotai Chettiar Temple has never insisted on halting the golden chariot procession. Our interactions with the temple have been frequent, and we consistently collaborate to seamlessly coordinate the procession movements,” Rayer added.
Nattukotai Chettiar Temple’s managing trustee, A. L. Lakhsmanan, supported Rayer’s stance, emphasising the absence of disagreements and the positive, cooperative nature of their meetings.
He clarified that the temple never requested the discontinuation of the golden chariot procession.
“No disagreements occurred; our meetings were interactive, and decisions were always reached through mutual consensus.
“I want to emphasise that we have never requested the PHEB to cease the golden chariot procession,” Lakhsmanan said.
Expressing concern over the article’s impact on Hindu unity in Penang and Malaysia, Rayer urged all parties to refrain from interfering with PHEB affairs, spreading false statements, or undermining the significance of the golden chariot procession.
He called for unity among Hindus, emphasising their shared identity.
Rayer also discouraged the politicisation of Thaipusam 2024, urging parties to avoid using it for political gain.
He emphasised that those involved, including commissioners and trustees, are dedicated to serving the Hindu community and ensuring the success of the upcoming unified Thaipusam.
The press conference included Bagan Dalam assemblyman Kumaran Krishnan, Senator Dr R.A. Lingeshwaran, commissioners from PHEB, and Nattukotai Chettiar Temple trustees and members.
Story by Norman Sim
Pix by Alissala Thian