GEORGE TOWN, Oct 25 ― Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy has called for a run scheduled for the day after Deepavali to be postponed, shortly after the state chapter of Gerakan criticised the administration over the matter.

Ramasamy also denounced the event's organiser, ActifeStyle, for being "highly insensitive” by timing the run so close to the Hindu festival.

Deepavali is this Saturday (October 29) while the Penang Run 2016 Island Series the day after.

"The organisers should have been sensitive to cultural and ethnic sensitiveness. Cannot tolerate this kind of attitude. State bodies should not endorse events that are insensitive,” Ramasamy had responded in a message to the Malay Mail Online when asked to comment on this issue.

He later issued a statement asking the organiser to postpone the run to a later date, noting that the Penang Island Municipal Council (MBPP) was supporting the event.

Citing a previous incident in 2013 when the state government was also criticised for a run originally coinciding with Thaipusam despite neither supporting nor endorsing the event, Ramasamy said it was important now to address concerns quickly.

He also ordered ActifeStyle to apologise to all Indians in the state.

"A mistake has take place and we, the Penang government, will not run away from responsibility,” he said.

He assured the public that the state administration will ensure future events will not be organised during any major festival.

Earlier today, Penang Gerakan youth vice chairman H. Puvaniten criticised the state government for organising the event on this Sunday.

He also accused the state government of "double standards” especially when Ramasamy had in 2013 criticised the Penang Run 2013 organisers ― Tanjung Social Club, Penang Forwards Sports Club in collaboration with Universiti Sains Malaysia and Penang Youth and Sports Department ― for not respecting Hindus who celebrate Thaipusam.

Penang Run 2016 are divided into two this year, the first one held in Seberang Perai and now the second one on the island is this Sunday.