Kuala Lampur, Jan. 15 -- The Education Ministry and the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia each say the other is responsible for a controversial circular advising against Muslim participation in the Ponggal harvest festival.

Shortly after the ministry sent out a statement saying the views in the circular were based on Jakim's position and guidelines, the department released its own saying that it was the ministry's prerogative to send out the circular to schools.

Jakim also insisted that it was simply responding to the ministry's request.

"The decision in this matter is under the ministry's authority. Jakim only provided its views from the Islamic perspective and did not prohibit the celebrations in any way.

"Additionally, Jak...