FOR the first time, the annual Deepavali fair to be held at Little India in Ipoh is being organised by the Pakatan Rakyat government and A. Sivanesan, a state executive council member, is the chairman of the organising committee.

Sivanesan wants to invite artistes from the radio station THR Raaga to perform on the last three days of the fair at a cost of RM1,000 per person per night. A majority of the organising committee is not in favour of this.

The THR Raaga artistes are making a mockery of the Tamil language and should not be allowed to perform.

There are many local artistes in the state and their talents should be promoted instead. The money could be used as an incentive for them.

Sivanesan should respect the wishes of the majority and stop bringing in outsiders.

A. Jeyaraj

Source: NST – October 15, 2008