On the eve of the Muslim celebration of Eidul Adha, the Malaysian Consultative Council for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taosim (MCCBCHST) has called on the authorities to put a halt to the practice of slaughtering cows in schools and other public places.

In a statement signed by its council leaders, the organisation expressed concern that the ritual of sacrificing cows - held as sacred by Hindus - had been proposed to be held on the premises of at least two schools in Kuala Lumpur next Friday.

The ritual slaughter is usually done on mosque grounds, but sometimes takes place at other locations.

Malaysiakini understands that the scheduled ritual sacrifice planned for next Friday at the two schools had been cancelled for reasons of inadequate facilities.

School not the place for such rituals

Nevertheless, said MCCBCHST, the council holds "a dim view" of conducting such an activity "in front of our multiracial and multicultural student population, as it ignores the sensitivity of our school-going children and the larger mixed Malaysian society."

“We call upon the relevant authorities to respect the sensitivities of our multi-religious society and implore them to halt this ritualistic ceremony in our schools, institutions of higher learning and other public places,” said the council.

“We hold that the public places, especially schools, are not the right place for the performance of this ritual that pertains only to the Muslim community. It does not augur well for the promotion of harmony and peace among our varied peoples.

“The maintenance and promotion of peace and harmonious living should be the prime concern and focus of education authorities among our students and not instil hate, suspicion disgust in them in their formative years.

“MCCBCHST pray and hope for good sense to reign among us and call upon the authorities to do the needful and put a stop to this ritual of sacrificing cows before our students before it escalates into something undesirable in the future.”