KUALA LUMPUR – A pair of Penang exco members are demanding the Education Ministry explain the rationale behind prohibiting the performance of two songs during the opening ceremony of the 2023 National Tamil Language Carnival in Kepala Batas yesterday.
Perai assemblyman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu and Bagan Dalam rep Kumaran Krishnan said in a statement that the songs – ‘Kadavul Valthu’ and ‘Tamil Valthu’ – are typically performed during events related to the Tamil language and culture.
The duo, who are chairman and deputy chair of Penang’s special committee on Tamil schools, respectively, urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek to intervene so that such incidents do not recur.
“The Penang Tamil Schools Special Committee has contacted Penang Education Department deputy director Wan Sajiri Wan Hassan this morning to request that a detailed investigation be conducted into this incident as soon as possible.
“We also understand that several other issues occurred throughout this event. There were also allegations that banners displaying the image of Tamil literary and philosophical figure Thiruvalluvar were barred from being used. What is the justification behind this?
“Malaysia is a country with multiple ethnicities, race and religion. The federal constitution guarantees the freedom to practise their respective language, culture and beliefs.
“Irresponsible actions such as this only invite discord and strife.”
In 2021, Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin announced ‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu’ as the state anthem, while Kadavul Vaazhthu is described as a hymn. – November 24, 2023