“We will appeal to MKN” Says National Unity Ministry On Re-Evaluation of CNY SOPs

The Ministry of National Unity said that they will relay an appeal to the National Security Council (MKN) to re-evaluate the standard operating procedures (SOP) for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations following public backlash.

In a statement released on Facebook, the Ministry said that the SOPs released yesterday (4 February) were discussed with 21 Religious Organisations, Chinese Cultural Associations, and related parties on 12 and 18 January.

However, after receiving major dissatisfaction from the public, an appeal will be made to MKN.

“Upon hearing the views and appeals made by the Chinese community regarding the reunion dinner and temple visit on 11 and 12 January, as well as 19 February, the National Unity Ministry duly takes note and will appeal to the NSC,” the ministry said in a statement.

The statement added that any other announcements related to the Chinese New Year SOPs will be announced by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Here’s the list of organisations that MKN had discussed with regarding the SOPs:

12 January 2021

• Malaysian Buddhist Association
• Buddhist Missionaries Society Malaysia
• Persatuan Agama Taoisme Malaysia
• Lutheran Church of Malaysia
• Association of Churches in Sarawak
• Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association
• Fo Guang Shan
• Persekutuan Persatuan Taoist Malaysia
• Christian Federation of Malaysia
• New Evangelical Christian Foundation
• Sabah Council of Churches
• Bahai Community of Malaysia
• Cheng Ho Multi Culture Education
• Persatuan Kebudayaan Han Malaysia
• Malaysian Faith And Culture Interaction Kuala Lumpur
• AKK Culture Pulau Pinang
• Persatuan Han Studies
• Huazhong Malaysia
• Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall
• Association of Chinese Chambers of Commerce Malaysia (ACCIM)
• Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce and Industries

18 January 2021

• Cheng Ho Multi Culture Education
• Persatuan Kebudayaan Han Malaysia
• Malaysian Faith And Culture Interaction Kuala Lumpur
• AKK Culture Pulau Pinang
• Persatuan Han Studies
• Huazhong Malaysia
• Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall
• Association of Chinese Chambers of Commerce Malaysia (ACCIM)
• Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce and Industries

Previously, Malaysians were confused with the announcement and found many loopholes in the SOPs, with many criticising the government for their lack of knowledge about Chinese New Year traditions.

Also read: “Reunion dinner at pasar malam?” Confused M’sians Find Loopholes In Chinese New Year SOPs