Move to hold Silver chariot procession early angers PHEB

GEORGE TOWN: The silver chariot procession is set to leave earlier, at 11pm on Feb 7, during Thaipusam festival this year.
Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) chairman P. Ramasamy said the matter has angered PHEB as the chettiars had decided to do so without consulting them.
Ramasamy said he was shocked to learn the matter and said the move was 'irresponsible'.
"Thaipusam falls on Feb 9 and the silver chariot procession usually takes of on the eve at 6.30am.
"The announcement is made by the Chettiars' representative N Ramanathan and it is reported by Tamil daily Malaysia Nanban today," he told reporters at a press conference in Komtar today (Jan 20).
Ramasamy added the Chettiars did not raise the matter during a logistics meeting with police chiefs on Jan 11.
He said the Chettiars also did not object the Hilltop Murugan Temple's inaugural golden chariot from leaving 90 minutes before them, at 5am.
"The Chettiars did not object to our proposals. They also have reaffirmed what was agreed by police.
"If there was a change, why did not you raise it in meeting? Now they have thrown a spanner in the works.
"This is irresponsible, mischievous, and an act that goes against police advice. You cannot unilaterally change the procession as you like," he said.
Ramasamy said since the Chettiars have taken it upon themselves to hold the procession earlier, the PHEB would 'match' their move by leaving two hours before their planned procession at 9pm on Feb 7.
"The state Thaipusam committee is the highest decision making body on procession matters. There was no notification made to us as well.
"Since they have taken the liberty to decide on whatever time, anyone can start any time then," he said.
The Chettiars had run a private silver chariot for 159 years, have been widely regarded as the 'de facto' chariot for Thaipusam celebrations in Penang. It was never questioned by Penang Hindus, and has a large following.
In 2012, the PHEB had decided commission a golden chariot for the Hilltop Murugan Temple. It was without a chariot for some 100 years, the board says.