Minister Praises Saravanan For Making Right Decision On Debate

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National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang has described MIC deputy president M Saravanan’s decision to cancel his debate with preacher Zamri Vinoth as the right decision.
In thanking the Tapah MP, the minister said Saravanan made the best call to preserve harmony and unity in the country.
“I also appreciate Zamri’s decision to welcome this move (to cancel the debate),” Aaron said in a statement today.
Preacher Zamri Vinoth and MIC leader M SaravananYesterday, the minister expressed hope that the duo would axe the debate planned for March 23, warning that it could create tension and strain relationships in the country’s multireligious society.
Earlier this morning, Saravanan announced he would not proceed with the debate over Zamri’s provocative remarks on the Thaipusam kavadi ritual.
Saravanan emphasised that the decision was made for the sake of national harmony, adding that he had a lengthy discussion with MIC’s top leadership and Putrajaya over the matter.
However, the former minister stressed that the police must act against Zamri for his incendiary remarks.
Subsequently, Zamri welcomed Saravanan’s decision, which he took as the latter's admission of a mistake.
‘Reminder to all’
On that note, Aaron said the decision is a reminder to all Malaysians on the importance of preserving unity.
Preserving unity is not merely a slogan but must be inculcated in everyone’s daily conduct and actions, he added.
“I hope this decision will be emulated by all of us in our efforts to strengthen unity and mutual respect among Malaysians,” the minister said.
Avoid debates on religion
Backing Aaron’s remarks, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs) Na’im Mokhtar said open debates on religious differences should be avoided.
This is to prevent division among Malaysia’s multi-racial and multi-religious communities, he added.
De facto religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar“I fully support Aaron’s view, as open debates on religious issues can lead to confusion and tension among the public.
“Our priority is to uphold and strengthen the unity and solidarity of Malaysia’s multi-religious and multi-racial communities,” Bernama reported him as saying today. - Mkini

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