Mic Demands Strong Govt Action Against Era Fm For Insulting Hinduism

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MIC today urged the government to take action against Astro Radio's Era FM after several of its staff members were seen allegedly mocking the Thaipusam kavadi ritual.
The incident was captured in a TikTok video that was supposedly uploaded onto the radio station's account.
The original clip is no longer available, but copies of it have since gone viral.
In the video, an Era FM host known as Pak Azad was seen dancing to a "vel vel" chant by several other staff members before he burst into laughter.
The chant "vel vel" invokes the Hindu deity Lord Muruga and is often chanted during Thaipusam when a person is taking the kavadi.
‘Brainless insult’
MIC deputy president M Saravanan branded the video "brainless" and called for Era FM to also issue a public apology.
"This is not just stupidity - it is a blatant insult to the faith and traditions of Hindus in Malaysia. Such a disgusting display of ignorance and disrespect has no place in our society.
"Era FM, as a media organization, should know better than to allow this kind of offensive nonsense.
"Their staff have proven themselves to be utterly unfit to work in the media industry if they lack even the most basic understanding of religious and cultural sensitivities.
“This is not humor but an act of mockery that deeply offends the Hindu community," he said in a statement today.
Commenting further, the Tapah MP said such action insulting a religion is also a threat to national unity and can set a dangerous precedent.
MIC deputy president M SaravananADSHe stressed that the individuals involved must be held responsible and the government must also act against the radio station.
"I demand that the government take immediate and firm action against Era FM for this outrageous behaviour.
"At the very least, ERA FM must issue a public apology to the Hindu community, and the individuals responsible must face the consequences."
Malaysiakini has reached out to Astro Radio for their immediate response. It was indicated that Astro Radio top management was holding a meeting to discuss the matter this morning and yet to issue a statement. - Mkini

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