MIRI: The recent controversy surrounding a halal-certified restaurant in Malacca that reportedly banned Christmas decorations should not have escalated into a national issue.
Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Pujut Branch Youth chief Kelvin Hii said Malaysia’s strength lies in its multi-cultural and multi-religious identity, and that constant debates over religious and racial matters risk damaging the country’s image while diverting attention from development.
“It is regrettable that such issues continue to dominate public discussion and are even repeatedly debated in Parliament.
“This does not reflect well on Malaysia and affects our national progress,” he said in a press statement yesterday (Dec 20).
Kelvin, who is also vice chairman of SUPP Youth Central, said Christmas has evolved beyond being purely a religious observance and is now widely recognised as an international festive season marking the end of the year and the beginning of a new one.
He noted that many countries with diverse or conservative religious backgrounds, including China, Dubai, Iraq and Japan, have embraced Christmas decorations from tourism and commercial perspectives to attract visitors and boost economic activity.
“Christmas decorations do not cause tourists or the public to perceive a restaurant as a religious venue.
“On the contrary, they often attract new customers and create a welcoming atmosphere,” he said.
Kelvin added that halal certification should focus strictly on food preparation, sourcing and authenticity, and should not be extended to regulating festive decorations.
“While individual restaurant owners may choose not to decorate based on personal considerations, imposing restrictions on all halal-certified establishments is an overreaction that unfairly impacts businesses,” he said.
He also pointed to Sarawak as an example of harmony and inclusivity, noting that such restrictions do not exist under the leadership of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government.
“In Sarawak, people of different races and religions dine together freely.
“The state regularly hosts various cultural and religious processions, including Christmas parades, Maulidur Rasul celebrations and Wesak Day parades, which are open to everyone,” he said.
According to him, participation in these events is not limited to followers of a particular faith, allowing Sarawakians to better understand and appreciate the cultural values of different religions.
“As Christmas approaches, it is common to see government departments, hospitals, police stations, schools and restaurants decorated for the festive season.
“This reflects how diversity is genuinely practised and respected in Sarawak,” he said.
Kelvin added that celebrating different festivals together while living harmoniously remains a source of pride for Sarawakians and serves as a model of unity for the rest of the country.
