PUCHONG, Jan 10 (Sin Chew Daily) — Many parents have expressed shock over the controversy arising from the Chinese New Year decorations put up at SMK Pusat Bandar Puchong 1.

They say they actually want their children to learn about other cultures and make new friends from other races in the school.

Sin Chew Daily talked to several parents at SMK Pusat Bandar Puchong 1 this morning.

Norliza: no festive mood without laterns

"When I was young, my school would put up many festive decorations during each festive season, and we wouldn't feel uncomfortable looking at them.

"There would be no festive mod without these decorations, and this is the first time I have heard of people complaining about the red lanterns."

Goh: fear not other cultures

"I have no problem with my children mingling with classmates from other races. It is good to get a better understanding of other people's cultures.

"We need to respect other cultures, not to be afraid of them!"

Lawrence: celebrate together

"I am an Iban living in West Malaysia.

"There are students of different races and religions in this school. They learn and mingle together and get to know one another's cultures here.

"We celebrate together, be it Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya or the Gawai festival of East Malaysia..

"I'm actually quite shocked by the incident. The lanterns are only decorations and they will not convert anyone.

"Some of the people are just too racist, but not all others. To me, Malaysia belongs to all people regardless of race.

"The decorations allow the students to better understand a festive celebration, especially among the young people.

'But some people just don't like to look at the decorations. I think we should be more open-minded and try to understand other people's cultures."