Zamri Accepts Saravanan S Challenge To Debate On Hinduism

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MIC deputy president M Saravanan (left) challenged preacher Zamri Vinoth to a debate after the latter’s remarks on the kavadi ritual.
PETALING JAYA: Independent preacher Zamri Vinoth has accepted MIC deputy president M Saravanan’s challenge to a debate on Hinduism, following public outrage over his remarks on the kavadi ritual.
Zamri confirmed his willingness to debate in a Facebook post late last night, responding to Saravanan’s challenge yesterday.
“Who is ready to organise it? Where will it be held? What is the topic?” he said.
In response, Saravanan said the debate would focus on Zamri’s claim that Hindu worshippers performing the kavadi ritual appeared to be “possessed and drunk on toddy”.
He proposed that the debate be held on March 23, with Dewan Bahasa Tamil Malaysia as the organiser. As for the venue, he said Zamri could select any location in Kuala Lumpur.
“I am awaiting your confirmation. At the same time, it is ‘strange’ that you accepted the debate challenge but disabled the comments section on your Facebook post,” Saravanan added in his Facebook post.
The challenge to debate arose after the backlash sparked by Zamri’s remarks on the kavadi ritual, with Saravanan urging his arrest under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act.
Jelutong MP RSN Rayer lodged a police report against Zamri while former deputy law and institutional reform minister Ramkarpal Singh said the preacher had clearly contravened laws such as Sections 504 and 505 of the Penal Code, meriting immediate investigation.
Zamri was investigated in 2019 for making statements deemed insulting to Hinduism, although he was not charged due to insufficient evidence.
His latest remarks came amid public anger over three Era FM radio hosts who were widely criticised for mocking the same Hindu practice. - FMT

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