Thaipusam celebration reflects freedom of worship — Mary Yap
TAWAU: Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Dr Mary Yap Kain Ching joined a Thaipusam celebration in the Thirumurugam Temple here yesterday and said such a celebration reflected the freedom of worship in the country.
She said the lively celebration was something to be proud of and she was happy as it showed the existence of harmony here and in the country.
The Tawau member of parliament said her parliamentary office always supported the temple through contributions.
“Even the government is also concerned about freedom of worship for all the people.
“This is a unique strength in Sabah which should be retained and improved from time to time.”
Meanwhile, Hindu believers hoped the state government could approve a sum of RM100,000 for repairs of Thirumurugan Temple at Jalan Utara and improving a hall in its compound.
S. Nokiah, who has served for eight years as temple president, expressed his gratitude to the government’s initiative in allocating RM30,000 to RM60,000 yearly to Hindu temples in East Malaysia.
Nokiah said Thirumurugan Temple is about 50 years old and lauded the State government’s decision to gazette the existing land for the temple after waiting for 15 years.
He said about 400 Hindu believers and devotees from Tawau, Semporna, Lahad Datu, Keningau and Sandakan attended yesterday’s celebration. Also present was the temple vicepresident P Maniam.
“This year, the Thaipusam celebration is very lively and encouraging as the number of participants from various races and ethnic groups is increasing year by year,” he said.