Ipoh (Malaysia), Nov. 26 : The National Fatwa Council may have declared yoga ‘haram’ for having the potential to undermine the faith of Muslims as it could be traced back to Hinduism, but according to a senior government official, it is up to the rulers of the respective states in the country to accept the council''s decision.

Ipoh (Malaysia), Oct. 18 (ANI): Deepavali celebrations in the “Little India” area of the Malaysian city of Ipoh have been launched with cultural performances and dances.

The ten-day-long festivities began on Thursday night, reports The Star.

The launch was marked by a touch of politics as a nationwide call was made for lifting the ban on the HINDRAF movement.

DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang, who launched the celebrations, condemned the ban.

“Deepavali is supposed to be a time of great hope and jubilation, but this year, it will be a somber one,” he said in his speech.

Ipoh (Malaysia), Oct. 14 : The Deepavali bazaar and celebrations in Ipoh’s Little India area will start today. Cultural shows will commence on Thursday.

According to Perak Executive Councillor A. Sivanesan, 86 stalls have been set up for the celebrations and the Deepavali bazaar will go on until October 25.

Local artistes will be performing daily from 7.30pm to 11.30pm in the cultural nights until October 25, reports the New Strait Times.

Ipoh (Malaysia), Oct. 8 : The Perak unit of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) has been denied permission to hold a Deepavali celebration in Little India here.

This is the first time in 16 years that the celebration will not be held.

The New Strait Times quoted Perak executive councilor A. Sivanesan as saying that holding the celebration would be going against the law.

Perak MIC chief G. Rajoo has been told that his application for holding the Deepavali celebrations in Little India has been rejected.

Ipoh (Malaysia), Oct. 8 : There is land, but no funds for constructing a crematorium for Hindus in the Malaysian state of Ipoh.

According to a report in the New Strait Times, a sum of RM 1.5 million is required for the project. According to Buntong state assemblyman A. Sivasubramaniam, the state government has finally located a site in his constituency for the crematorium.

The project has been pending since April 7, 2004.

Ipoh, June 10 : Malaysia’s People’s Progressive Party is proposing to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Education Minister Hishammuddin Hussein that a fund for Tamil schools be set up.