Yii, who is contesting in Batu Kawah in the upcoming state elections, said the tree was meant to represent “harmony, tolerance and respect” that all Malaysians share.

“However, it seems my political opponents don’t share our Christmas spirit,” he said in a Facebook post.

“They have been complaining to local authorities and demanding that the tree be taken down, claiming that it may ‘confuse’ Christians.”

Yii said there had even been attempts to “sabotage” the tree by cutting the wires that powered the lights.

“I am a Christian and my faith is not based on a tree or any ornaments put on the tree, which is only a symbol during the festivities.

“I feel that those playing this up as a religious issue are no different from those we condemn for being too sensitive in the faith or religions of others.”

Some not convinced

Despite Yii’s comments, some netizens were unimpressed by what they saw as politicisation of the Christmas tree.

“A Christmas tree has its own meaning. Why use something as a topper besides a star or an angel? Don’t mix it with politics,” commented Duly Zee Doming.

“(It) has a deep symbolic meaning for Christian people.”

User Anson Lee agreed. “I’m not a Christian but come on YB, you are better than this. You can design the tree lights to be a rocket but don’t replace the star with one.”