KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 9 ― A PAS state assemblyman has admitted to dressing as the Chinese God of Prosperity for Chinese New Year celebration in Selangor, after photos of him in the outfit was distributed online yesterday.

According to a report in Utusan Malaysia today, Selangor PAS state secretary, Mohd Khairuddin Othman also said that he wore the costume in the spirit of the celebration deemed as cultural, and was not religious in nature.

“I am sure that the Chinese New Year is a celebration for the Chinese community. That is why the believe is that the costume is something cultural and has no relation to religion.

“As a means of being respectful to a cultural event by another race, I did not reject wearing it,” he was quoted saying in the Malay daily.

The Paya Jaras assemblyman, however, reportedly sought forgiveness from Allah and all those who took offence with him over the costume.

He also reportedly said that his fate in PAS now rests with its senior leaders.

“However, I am confident that the clergy leadership in the party is more well read about the cultures of the multi-racial community, like in Selangor. I will accept any of their views,” he was reported saying.