By Yeo Bee Yin, Assemblywoman for Damansara Utama

We are very disappointed by the news that the central government in Beijing, China, has banned Muslim civil servants, students and members of the Communist Party of China (CPC) to fast during the holy month of Ramadan in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

Such a ban disallows about 10 millions Muslims in Xinjiang to fulfil their obligations as Muslims by observing one of the pillars of Islam.

We are fully aware of the importance of forming a good relationship with China as an economic powerhouse; so much so that Putrajaya is willing to spend tens of millions for 2 pandas as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic tie.

However, we believe that Putrajaya should now move its eyes from Xing Xing and Liang Liang in Zoo Negara to the rights of the 10 millions Muslims in Xinjiang.

In the spirit of freedom of religion and the protection of the minority rights, we hope that the Malaysian government will not keep quiet over Beijing’s government banning of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan in Xinjiang.

And we believe that as an equal partner to Beijing, Putrajaya can show dissenting view over this issue without ruining the diplomatic tie between the two countries.

Therefore, we call upon Putrajaya to find a delicate solution to send a reminder to Beijing to respect the rights of the Muslim minorities in Xinjiang.

It should convince Beijing that allowing the Muslims in Xinjiang to fast during Ramadan will not create religious tension but promote mutual respect, peace and harmony.