Malaysia’s Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo calls for stern action to be taken against those who incite religious or racial hatred.
Gobind, in a statement this afternoon, said the matter was raised in Cabinet on March 7, and that a decision was made that firm action must be taken in cases of this nature.
“A statement to this effect was issued by the Communications Minister, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, on the very same day — underscoring the urgency of the matter.”
This comes following the latest episode involving independent preacher Zamri Vinoth, who had allegedly mocked the kavadi ritual practised by Hindus, irking Indian leaders in the country.
“Police reports have been lodged, and I have been informed that statements have been taken from various individuals. Despite this, we see some repeating themselves, which further compounds matters.
“The police and Attorney-General therefore need to act fast. We cannot, and must not, allow statements insulting religions to go unpunished.”
He added that legal provisions existed to deal with situations like these.
“These provisions mean nothing if they are not enforced. Action must be taken to send a strong message that we will not condone insults to any religion and that there are consequences for doing so.”
Gobind’s colleague in DAP, RSN Rayer, had also voiced his dissatisfaction over Zamri’s Facebook posting, which was brought down by Facebook but later reappeared. The MP for Jelutong described it as a “seditious and irresponsible post”.
MIC president Datuk M. Saravanan, meanwhile, has challenged Zamri to a debate on March 23. However, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang has called for all parties to refrain from engaging in religious debates, adding that discussions focusing on religious differences could incite tensions and strain interfaith relations in the country.
Prior to Zamri’s posting, a video featuring three Era FM presenters — Azad Jazmin John Louis Jeffri, Nabil Ahmad, and Radin Amir Affendy Ahmad Aruani — was posted on the radio station’s official social media account. The trio had mimicked the sacred Hindu kavadi ritual while chanting “Vel Vel” as they laughed. That drew anger from various quarters, with police hauling up the three Era FM staff over the incident.
