Media statement by M.Kula Segaran in Parliament on Wednesday, 19^th October 2011:

Right move to cancel sitting of Parliament on the eve of Deepavali

We welcome the decision of the Government to cancel the sitting of Parliament scheduled on the eve of Deepavali that is 25^th October 2011. Today the Speaker announced the Government's decision in Parliament.

In the first place the fixing of the sitting on 25^th October 2011 is most unfortunate. Who were involved in the fixing of dates of the sittings of Parliament? Those responsible should be hauled up and briefed on the need to be sensitive to the various festivals found in our country.

We are also concerned that school examinations are conducted on the eve of Deepavali thus making it difficult to those celebrating certain festivals.

Many teachers are also affected by the decision for students to sit for exams at the eve of festivals be it Hari Raya, Deepavali or Christmas. As some of these festivals generally fall at year end and major schools exams are held around this time best if the exams are appropriately rescheduled.

Our rich country consists of multi racial people, multi cultural people and multi religious communities. Diversity of our various people and their cultures should be harnessed by all including the Government.

* M. Kula Segaran, DAP National Vice Chairman & MP for Ipoh Barat