In his first statement after being sworn in as a minister this evening, P Waythamoorthy shot down the proposal for a debate between Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy and controversial Muslim preacher Zakir Naik who is from India.
Departing from his previous image as a firebrand whom critics accused of being an extremist and a threat to national security, the Persatuan Hindraf Malaysia leader cut a picture of composure and reason when addressing reporters at Istana Negara.
Tasked with overseeing national unity and social well-being, the minister in the Prime Minister's Department said the debate would not bode well for national unity.
"The debate is not necessary, it is irrelevant. How is it going to benefit our country? We are talking about a united Malaysia, how is this debate going to help? It's not.
"The reason for the debate as far as I am concerned, doesn't make sense. So we should just leave it," he added.
The debate between Ramasamy and Zakir was proposed by Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainal Abidin with the topic "Who is the terrorist?"
This was after Ramasamy was accused of supporting Sri Lankan terrorist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Ramasamy has denied this allegation.
The DAP leader has been vocal in urging Putrajaya to extradite Zakir back to India where he faces various charges over alleged money-laundering, supporting terrorist activities and inciting religious tension.
Asked about his stand on Zakir, Waythamoorthy said he had nothing against Muslim preachers but those who say things that hurt the feelings of others should be looked into.
Waythamoorthy was among 19 activists who had previously sought the arrest and deportation of Zakir.
Enhance relationships
On national unity, the Hindraf chairperson claimed this was lacking among Malaysians, particularly the youth.
He cited how his nephew did not visit his friends of other races during their festive seasons unlike himself during his youth in Kelantan.
"We need to understand each other's cultures better and enhance our social relationships," he said.
On Indian affairs, Waythamoorthy said this was not under his portfolio but said that he would be discussing with the cabinet on ways to socially uplift the Indians and deter those who fell by the wayside from being involved in crime. - Mkini
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