SOME political leaders have questioned the decision to disallow Thaipusam processions next month and urged that the matter be reviewed, Makkal Osai reported.

       MIC deputy president and Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan said he will ensure the chariot procession leaves from the Kuala Lumpur Mariamman Temple to the Batu Caves Murugan temple as planned the day before Thaipusam.

       He said he would bring the matter up in the Friday Cabinet meeting and work with MKN to finalise the list of activities allowed for the festival and the relevant standard operating procedures (SOP).

       Meanwhile, Penang Deputy Chief Minister and Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) chairman Dr P. Ramasamy urged National Unity Minister Halimah Mohd Sadique not to politicise the Thaipusam festival issue.

       He questioned the minister’s claim in Parliament that representatives of Hindu organisation had agreed to cancel the processions and celebrations.

       During this year’s Thaipusam celebration, major temples in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Selangor received approvals for the procession after an intervention by Saravanan.

       PHEB itself had decided not to go ahead with its chariot procession to avoid any risks.