Greetings on a Cake – Much Ado About Nothing?

Christmas is around the corner. But many Malaysians refer it to as a ‘silly season’ where frivolous, outlandish, illogical activity or behaviour makes the headlines?

It started more than 10 years ago with air wells in a newly completed housing scheme in Kedah resembled a cross as some claimed. As if it was planned to infuriate certain sections of the community, the furore continued for a few weeks until the developer painted it a different colour.

Then, we had the annual Oktoberfest which was seen as a “pesta maksiat” (vice party) without understanding its origins. This is a German cultural festival and not a security threat.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org

 In January 2022, a video of Permatang Pauh MP holding discussions with a Penang mall’s management on beer promotion for Chinese New Year emerged. What is wrong if one was licensed to sell beer and wants to promote sales of their products? But many don’t see it that way. Because their religion forbids alcohol, it appears that they do not want others imbibing and enjoying themselves.

In 2016, food outlets selling hot dogs in Malaysia were asked to rename their products or risk being refused halal certification. The Islamic Development Department (Jakim) said it adopted the ruling after complaints from Muslim tourists.

In 2022, PAS called on Muslims to stay away from the Bon Odori Festival due to concerns of “religious elements” at the Japanese cultural event despite the Selangor Sultan ordering the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) not to forbid Muslims from attending the festival.

Then came the security guards who decided to play the role of guardians of faith by refusing people who wore shorts from entering government offices or establishments. What empowered them to do so and under which law they sought to enforce dress standards remains a mystery. The Kuala Selangor District Council was really kind. It provided sarongs to those who were “inappropriately” dressed.

The latest is about a cake shop ordering its staff not to write “Merry Christmas” on cakes it sold to customers. Why? Because it feared losing its halal certification. Jakim clarified that all halal certificate holders face no such restrictions, including any celebratory greetings on cakes or similar items.

How do you put an end to all this? Two words stand out– “sensitive” and “confused”. They are interchangeable and most times misused. When Arab nations are being more tolerant including Saudi Arabia, we are moving in the opposite direction. There is nothing wrong if a non-Muslim has alcohol, attends Beerfest, buys a cake with a greeting or wears shorts. He or she is not breaking any “sensitive” laws – unless you are proposing that we have a “moral” police force like in Iran! Shouldn’t we then do a “lawatan sambil belajar” to Tehran?

Merry Christmas!

Reference:

Comment: Words of a cake – much ado about nothing, R Nadeswaran, Malaysiakini, 19 December 2023