Saravanan Should Fight Zamri Vinoth In Court Not In A Debate Regardless Matured Or Intellectual

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Editor’s Note: National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang wants the planned debate between MIC’s deputy president and Tapah MP Datuk Seri M. Saravanan and Muslim convert preacher Zamri Vinoth to be called off.
This is on grounds that debates over religious differences have the potential to create further tensions and worsen relations amidst a diverse Malaysian society.
IT IS pointless to engage Muslim convert preacher Zamri Vinoth in a debate about his controversial remarks on Hindu religious practices, especially during Thaipusam.
Such a public verbal bout with MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan would only give Zamri cheap publicity and probably boost his Islamic credentials and standing among the Muslim faithful.
It appears that since there are no rules set for this sparring session, the Muslim convert could touch more raw nerves by raising more sensitive issues that would further inflame an already tense situation.
The debate with Saravanan might turn out to be a no-holds-barred shouting match which might prompt the audience to jump into the ring to deliver their own verbal blows, probably resulting in an outbreak of fisticuffs.
We assume that the hall would be filled to the brim with vociferous partisans from both sides who would cheer or jeer Zamri or Saravanan.
The verbal ferocity and intensity that can be expected from the two pugilists over a very sensitive topic might overshadow the purpose of the debate which is essentially to enlighten Zamri on some aspects of Hinduism in as rational and calm atmosphere as possible.


What can Saravanan say to rebut Zamri who seems to think – after wearing the mantle of a preacher – that he is a fountain of truth and the spiritual voice of wisdom?
The preacher would certainly not acknowledge that he had made a grievous mistake or concede an inch to his opponent but would strenuously defend his position or resort to evasive tactics.
Head I win, tail you lose
Since it is up to Zamri to choose the venue, he would probably pick one where his supporters would come in droves to listen to him dressing down Saravanan.
When he takes to the stage, he would be addressing not the Hindu faithful but mainly the Muslim audience in the hall and across the nation. He would probably achieve instant fame.
So, what can Saravanan do to make Zamri see the truth about Hinduism? Can the MIC leader change his parochial mind and make him understand the depth and significance of the Hindu traditional ritual and custom?
But then again it is futile to school this convert because Zamri certainly knows all about the meaning of Thaipusam since his roots were once planted in the rich soil of Hinduism.
One can only surmise that when he uprooted his Hindu faith and embraced the other side, he deliberately wants to muddy the clear waters of Hinduism to promote his stature as an outspoken champion of his new-found faith.

Since it is an exercise in futility to hold a debate, what other recourse can Saravanan take to bring down this firebrand a notch or two?
There is only one avenue left and that is to bring him to court and let the course of justice hold sway. If he is charged, found guilty and jailed, let the episode be an indelible lesson to all those – be they politicians or Muslim preachers – itching to run down each other’s religion.
Amid the deafening noise of religious fervour, let’s listen to the great sage Mahatma Gandhi who once said “Islam stands for the unity and brotherhood of mankind, and not for disrupting the oneness of the human family”.

Follow Gandhi and religious harmony will be attained, go Zamri’s way and all will be strife and darkness. 
Phlip Rodrigues is a retired journalist.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.
- Focus Malaysia.

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