DAP urges USM to rethink convocation date

IPOH: DAP today told University Sains Malaysia (USM) to be considerate and not hold their convocation on Deepavali eve.
National vice chairman M. Kulasegaran (pix) said USM should be sensitive when a proposal was made to have the convocation on Deepavali eve.
"Its totally absurd and unacceptable to propose the convocation on Deepavali eve. There is no excuse for the university not to know that Deeapavali eve is when Hindus, in a time-honoured tradition, gather for family reunions and offer prayers to their ancestors.
USM registrar Prof Abdul Aziz Tajuddin had told media that the convocation dates of Oct 24 to 28 as displayed on the university's website had not been finalised.
"The dates of Oct 24 to 28 was a result of internal discussion. I don't know how outsiders got wind of it.
The matter has not been finalised because it still requires the Chancellor's nod, he was quoted saying.
Kulasegaran said: "The dates should have not even be proposed as it coincides with the festival. That is being insensitive."
This year Deepavali falls on October 29.