LETTER | Local govts should not discriminate ratepayers

LETTER | There is a need for local authorities to be fair in treating all the communities in the country, especially in Selangor, which is the most multi-racial and diverse state in the country.

One sees a lot of festive decorations usually in the urban areas that are put up by the local authorities to show their appreciation to the ratepayers and residents.

These decorations and colourful lights brighten up the public spaces for the festival. This is done usually for Christmas and New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali.

This gesture brings the people closer to the local administrators who have to work directly with them to create a vibrant and active community.

One also sees banners and buntings being displayed with festive greetings and messages put up by the MPs and state representatives to thank voters for electing them.

All these gestures are good and appreciated and, to a certain extent, unique.

The open house gatherings by the state and federal governments for all the major Malaysian festivals underpin the need for communal harmony and national solidarity.

However, there are shortcomings and complaints about the local authorities when it comes to discrimination for treating festivals differently.

As is well known, Islam is the official religion of the country and the importance given to Hari Raya Puasa, especially when it comes to decorations and lighting, cannot begrudged.

Recently, I found out that decorations for Christmas were almost overlooked in Selangor.

Christians and other non-Muslims will feel discriminated if public areas especially around important intersections, roundabouts, main streets, churches, and other houses of worship remain dull and normal.

Decorating these places will give a lively carnival atmosphere and please the residents to feel the goodwill spirit.

All local authorities allocate certain amounts for decorations annually. If this prejudice could be happening in a developed, rich, and diverse state like Selangor, the administration needs to look into this.

The local government executive councillor needs to monitor the situation and ensure that all municipal authorities, based on their demographics, do at least the minimum in lighting up and decorating public urban areas during the four major festivals.

The MPs and state assemblypersons could also convey their concerns when they observe these unfairness in some communities.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.