GEORGE TOWN, Dec 31 — Penang will be holding its annual Maulidur Rasul parade as scheduled this Saturday, said state executive councillor Datuk Abdul Malik Abul Kassim amid claims the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) state government had cancelled the Muslim celebration for the second time in a row.

The state religious affairs, domestic trade and consumer affairs committee chairman blamed Umno for trying to fault the PR state government.

“I wish to state that we have never cancelled the parade for Maulidur Rasul and it will still be held next year in Kepala Batas,” Abdul Malik said in a press conference today.

He said the annual event, which fell on January 14 this year, was held on the island and added that the state government had decided to alternate the location, meaning the January 3 parade to mark the birthday of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad will be held in Kepala Batas on the mainland.

A total 50 contingents will be taking part in the 1km-long parade starting from Vision Park and ending at Masjid Abdullah Fahim.

Abdul Malik also brushed aside criticisms that the 1km parade was “too short” by stating that there was no set distance for a parade, unlike a marathon.

“So don’t be foolish. How can a shorter distance parade means it is less of a parade than a parade covering longer distances? Is there a set distance for parades like marathons? Does it have to cover 42km like a marathon for it to be a parade?” he asked.

The state leader was responding to allegations by Umno Penang chief Datuk Zainal Abidin Osman that the state government had cancelled its Maulidur Rasul parade second year in a row.

Zainal Abidin’s allegations came after Utusan Malaysia published an article alleging that the DAP-led state government had stopped the Maulidur Rasul parade here.

Abdul Malik also rubbished allegations by former Kulim-Bandar Baharu MP Datuk Zulkifli Noordin that the state government had prohibited the Maulidur Rasul parade from being held in the state.

“This is absurd politicising of a religious celebration and I did not expect Zulkifli to go so low to this level,” he said.

The programmes lined up for the Maulidur Rasul celebration next month starts with a 10-series Maulidur Rasul religious talks on Radio Mutiara FM between December 26 and January 6 next year.

This will be followed by the reading of the Syamail Muhamadiah religious scriptures at all 212 mosques in the state and several other religious readings and performances.

There will also be a presentation of the Maulidur Rasul Leadership 1436H award which includes a cash prize of RM6,000 along with the Qudwatul Rasul in Innovation award, Qudwatul Rasul in Social Service award and Qudwatul Rasul Youth award with cash prizes of RM3,000 each during the celebration on January 3.