The wing’s chief, Akmal Nasir, became the latest to criticise the decision, saying it was embarrassing that menteri besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor was from PAS, a party which claims to champion a Malay-Muslim approach in governance.

“Yet, the move has given a negative impression of Malays and Islam among the non-Malays and non-Muslims. Islam does not discriminate against other religions,” he said in a statement.

Two days ago, Sanusi said there would be no public holiday for Thaipusam in Kedah this year, since all activities in the annual festival had been cancelled because of the movement control order.

The decision has since led to brickbats, including from MIC, DAP and even former prime minister Najib Razak.

Sanusi later defended his decision saying he was not out to deny the rights of devotees, adding that Hindus were free to carry out prayers on their own so long as they meet the standard operating procedures set by the government.

Akmal also said Sanusi’s statement showed he did not appreciate the country’s multi-ethnic and multireligious makeup.

“This decision needs to be revoked as it can only fan the flames of racial discord and threaten the harmony among races,” he said.