Saravanan Criticise Investigate All Racists Equally

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Authorities must not be selective when acting against those who touch on racial and religious sensitivities, said MIC deputy president M Saravanan, emphasising that all must be probed equally.
ADSReferring to the incident where three Era FM hosts courted public backlash over their video mocking the Thaipusam kavadi ritual, the Tapah MP said such condemnation should also be extended to those who belittle other religions.
He pointed to controversial preacher Zamri Vinoth as someone who has a long track record of making inflammatory remarks under the pretence of religious preaching, which sow discord among Malaysians through the spread of harmful narratives.
He also said action must be taken against individuals like Vijayan Savarinathan, who has insulted and criticised Islam.
“Just as we condemn those who mock Hinduism, we must also be firm against those who disrespect any other religion,” Saravanan said in a statement today.
“What we need is consistency in action. There cannot be selective enforcement when it comes to matters of racial and religious sensitivity,” he added.
The government, he stressed, must apply the law fairly and firmly to all parties who threaten national peace and harmony.
Muslim preacher Zamri VinothYesterday, National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang urged action against several individuals, including Zamri and Vijayan, for making religious insults in the wake of the Era FM controversy.
DAP’s Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh had also called for the removal of Zamri’s post comparing Hindus chanting during Thaipusam to people who are “possessed or intoxicated”.
‘Harsh’ to suspend Era FM
Saravanan, however, viewed MCMC’s proposed suspension of the radio station as seemingly “harsh”.
This is as the three DJs were the ones who committed wrongdoing and not the entire station, he said.
“We are worried that suspending the radio station would involve the livelihood of many.
“It would be unfair for other staff of the radio station to suffer because of wrongdoings by just three employees, especially in this holy month of Ramadan (when we should) embrace unity, forgiveness and fairness in addressing this issue,” he added.
From left: Era FM DJs Radin Amir Affendy, Azad Jasmin and Nabil AhmadWhile the radio presenters had made a “serious misstep” in the name of content creation, Saravanan said they are now facing repercussions, including a suspension from their duties as well as probes by the police and MCMC.
“Their intention may not have been to create chaos or animosity, and we must allow the legal process to take its course in order for there to be precedents over such matters.” - Mkini

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