Wednesday 25 February 2015

[Today] Seek views on Thaipusam as a public holiday

I thank the Manpower Ministry for its letter, “Impractical to make all key festivals public holidays” (Feb 14), which explained its stance on whether Thaipusam should be a public holiday.

Indeed, in 1968, Christians and Muslims had to give up two public holidays. Both faiths were, however, left with two days: Christians have Good Friday and Christmas, and Muslims have Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji.

It seems odd that Hindus, who had two days to begin with, Deepavali and Thaipusam, had to choose one instead of keeping both.

Firstly, the difference between Thaipusam and Vesakhi for the Sikhs or Lao-Tzu’s Birthday for the Taoists is that Thaipusam involves a huge procession of devotees. Designating it a public holiday could reduce traffic congestion and potential safety hazards.

Secondly, Hindus make up 5 per cent of the resident population, a sizeable number compared to the Sikhs. The Taoists, who form 11 per cent of our population, have also petitioned previously for Lao-Tzu’s Birthday to be a public holiday.

Perhaps, designating a public holiday for religions that comprise 5 per cent of the resident population is a better way of ensuring religious harmony.

Finally, it is one thing to say from an official standpoint that the status quo maintains harmonious living, but I hope the ministry would seek opinions on Thaipusam from employers, employees, Hindus and people of other faiths.

I am confident that many non-Hindus here would support designating Thaipusam as a public holiday, and if a majority on the ground does, it would show Singapore’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious solidarity and society.