PETALING JAYA: Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has expressed bewilderment over a purported ban on Christmas decorations at halal-certified eateries and hotels in Melaka, describing the move as shallow and inconsistent with Malaysia’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious fabric.
He said those who pushed for such a policy should adopt a more open-minded approach, particularly in a plural society.
“If they cannot accept this reality, it would be better for them to live alone on an island as hermits,” he was quoted as saying in an FMT report.
Abdul Karim pointed out that halal-certified restaurants and hotels routinely welcome patrons of various faiths and have traditionally put up decorations during festive seasons without issue.
He noted that decorations for Hari Raya, Deepavali and Chinese New Year had never sparked complaints in the past, questioning the rationale behind singling out Christmas.
“So why the ban on Christmas decorations? How paranoid are these people?” he said, adding that such decorations would not in any way affect the faith of Muslims.
The remarks followed reports of a circular purportedly issued by the Melaka Islamic Religious Affairs Department, stating that Christmas decorations are not permitted at any halal-certified hotel or outlet in the state.
The circular reportedly claimed that Christmas is a religious, not cultural celebration and that such decorations could lead to “faith-related issues.”
The purported directive has drawn criticism from various quarters.
