One of the greatest things about living in Malaysia is that everyone, regardless of race and religion, get to experience and even celebrate different holidays together. The cultural aspects of these holidays were always meant to be shared with others but the topic itself can be quite sensitive.
Many believe that people of a certain religion should not participate in these celebrations fearing that it might lead them astray. That’s what netizens felt after seeing Marion Caunter still celebrating Christmas despite converting to Islam many years ago.
Former television host Marion Caunter posted photos on Instagram of her family celebrating Christmas over the long weekend. Everyone, including her husband entrepreneur SM Nasarudin, were dressed up all fancy in black tie attire and happily posed in front of the two large Christmas trees at their home.
The carousel post was like any other family post, however, netizens seemed to be bothered by the 43-year-old’s family celebrating the jolly holiday. One netizen sarcastically asked if Marion was the one who converted to Islam or if her husband converted to Christianity since both of them still participated in celebrating Christmas. Others agreed saying they were confused as to why some Muslims, specifically rich families, would celebrate the Christian holiday.
However, some came to the celebs’ defence saying that Christmas is more than just a religious celebration. A few said that people should mind their own business since Marion’s personal beliefs do not concern them. The Penang-born star did not respond to the criticism she and her family received online recently but this was actually not the first time they experienced something like this.
Last year, Marion explained the reason why she and her family continue to celebrate Christmas despite her converting to Islam. The mother-of-three said that the holiday had been a huge part of her life while she was growing up and that she wanted to honour her late father.
“He would make sure we were together to celebrate Christmas every year, it means a lot to my father and I will continue to honour him by continuing his tradition with my children”, she told Kosmo. Despite her explanation, it still seems netizens don’t agree with her views.
