-Dr. S. Ramakrishnan, Former Senator, February 13, 2017.

The massive turnout at golden chariot’s maiden journey to the hilltop temple and back reflects the palpable support and turnout from Penangites from all walks of life for the procession. But the Star newspaper, on the next day, created a fuss, alleging that the golden chariot had delayed the silver chariot’s procession and that both reached their destinations later than scheduled. This delay provided an excuse to both the Nattukottai Chettiars temple trustees and the MIC president to lash out at the PHEB for delaying the chariots’ procession and not providing a conducive environment for the devotees. The very next day, for want a better reason, and looking for a political opportunity to use religion, the MCA also jumped onto the chariot bandwagon to critize the DAP government of Penang. But this group of people are displaying their small mindedness and are intentionally missing the big picture.

In sharp contrast to all this rattling, Penang devotees have accepted and supported the golden chariot by coming out in full force during its inauguration and maiden journey to the hilltop temple. Penangites, in large numbers, made their offerings to the golden chariot, which resulted in the procession being delayed. This is an indication that Penangites have understood the rationale and reason behind the introduction of the golden chariot.

Penangites have showered their devotions and reverence to lord Murugan in both chariots. It’s heartening to notice that Penangites of different races participating in the Thaipusam celebration are mature and magnanimous in adjusting and accepting the new chariot along with the silver one.

The introduction of golden chariot is a bold initiative and attempt by PHEB to make Penang Indians feel and take responsibility for their own chariot procession. The Nattukotai Chetiar temple committee, who has been managing the silver chariot for the past 126 years, and are foreigners, is a known fact now. During their silver chariot processions, the local Indians were mere by-standers and the foreigner Chetiar temple trustees called all the shorts. By now, it’s a known fact that all donation received, were taken over by the Nattukotai Chetiars temple trustees. From these donations in cash and kind, nothing filtered down to serve the PHEB cause or the social or religious needs of local Indians.

Therefore, this is a big subtle reform that needs to be corrected and put in proper perspective. PHEB rose to the occasions and interfered to make the adjustment and to their credit, they managed it well. The Penang people have accepted and embraced this new progressive change. Credit must be given to DCM Prof Ramasamy, PHEB and the Penang state government. It needed guts and courage to stand up against the traditionalists, sceptics and critics from the MIC and the Nattukotai Chetiar temple trustees who tried various devious means to derail this religious reform.

Even the Sri Maha Mariamman Destananam Kuala Lumpur chairman Tan Sri Nadaraja has announced that they too will introduce the golden Chariot during Thaipusam from next year onwards. This may be a preemptive attempt to prevent others from introducing another people’s chariot. What PHEB initiated in Penang has made people to think the unthinkable.

We hope and wish such noble and selfless reforms projects take place in Malaysian Indian religious affairs. Malaysian Indians involved in religious bodies have to rise up to the occasion and make temple institutions and their religious activities empowering, enlightening and enabling the local Tamil communities. This urgent need for social and religious reform for Malaysian Indians must be adopted by well-informed religious leaders and their institutions.

We can no longer willing accept the traditions, beliefs and practices of the Hindu society simply because they had been observed for centuries.