Three radio deejays’ inexcusable stunt has brought on a fortnight of shame. An apology came, but this has not quelled the outrage, which has been stoking for several days.
The act itself did no big harm. What followed was 14 days of talk, with inconsistencies perpetuated by a few characters fuelled by non-action.
Race, religion, and royalty (3Rs) are closely guarded institutions. Any attempt to disparage them and their related laws is familiar to Malaysians. Even without the laws, any abuse is viewed with contempt and disdain.
However, for a handful, such acts show their bravery and are considered achievements of religious heroism. But for all right-thinking Malaysians, it is stepping into a forbidden arena.
Using race and religion to cause hatred is abhorred, and despite having laws, the brazen outbursts continue.
Sequence of events
This is Malaysia’s diary of shame. The video clip and the subsequent comments are part of a sequence of events that, in a nutshell, is a catalogue of disgrace that mirrors the contradictions in law enforcement.
March 4: A video clip goes viral, showing several Era FM staff members allegedly mocking the Thaipusam kavadi ritual. The TikTok video was uploaded to the radio station’s account.
In an immediate response, MIC deputy president M Saravanan branded the video “brainless” and called for Era FM to issue a public apology.
“This is not just stupidity - it is a blatant insult to the faith and traditions of Hindus in Malaysia. Such a disgusting display of ignorance and disrespect has no place in our society.”
Era FM hosts apologised for “unintentionally” insulting Hindus and Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil orders MCMC to call the radio station’s management for an explanation.
March 5: Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said investigations into the viral video are being finalised.
He said six radio station members had appeared at Bukit Aman police headquarters to give statements. Investigation papers would be submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) soon.
In a social media post, Muslim preacher Zamri Vinoth Kalimuthu claims that people do not find it insulting when “Hindus chant ‘vel vel’ and dance as if they are possessed (macam orang kena rasuk) while intoxicated (mabuk todi).”
March 6: Saravanan, a devoted kavadi carrier, called the remarks irresponsible and deeply disrespectful, showing blatant disregard for Hindu sentiments.
“This is a clear violation of the 3R (race, religion, royalty) principles upheld by the Madani government. Such inflammatory statements threaten our nation’s harmony and must not go unpunished,” he told Malaysiakini.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, through his senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, noted sinister attempts by certain parties with vested interests to create a perception of a “double standard” regarding actions taken by those who insult any religion.
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail echoes the prime minister’s stand, reiterating that the police do not use favouritism or double standards in investigating cases related to the 3R.
March 9: Facebook removed Zamri’s post.
In defiance, Zamri reposted his comments on Facebook later that same night, saying he did not need to be remorseful for his remarks as he was “stating facts”.
MCMC said it had asked Meta to take down Zamri’s Facebook post on March 5. The commission also said that Zamri - identified only as “the suspect” - was summoned by Perlis police for questioning on March 6.
“Police have also seized the device used to make the Facebook post, with MCMC providing technical assistance to facilitate the investigation,” the commission added.
March 11: Fahmi says there will be no further action from the MCMC against three Era FM DJs after their employer was fined RM250,000, saying “they have gone through enough”.
March 12: Inspector-General of Police Razarudin confirms 894 police reports have been lodged against Zamri. He says the AGC is still studying the investigation paper, and the police have yet to receive further instructions.
Lack of action not unexpected
End of story? How do we go forward? Can the damage caused be undone? Yes, can’t one promote his religion without demeaning another?
The failure of the powers that be to condemn Zamri’s acts is not exactly unexpected as this is not the first time he has insulted Hinduism.
Hundreds of police reports had been lodged in the past and there was also an unsuccessful attempt at private prosecution after the authorities refused to prosecute him.
Zamri is unrepentant and others of his ilk will continue to incite, instigate, and stoke racial and religious tension.
Why then are those claiming to be men of cloth being allowed to taunt, mock, and degrade other religions? Aren’t the authorities going to stop people from stoking the fires of hatred?
If Fahmi’s “they have suffered enough” stance in exonerating the Era FM trio can open the floodgates for more such acts, is there anything which will be a deterrent?
This lack of action is a victory for the peddlers of hate. It also shows that the authorities are inconsistent in enforcing the laws.
Walking the talk
Comparisons can be made with similar cases in the past, and two wrongs cannot be considered a right.
At a time when religious fervour was running high and politicians were competing for support among their flock, bidding to show whose side of the green shines brighter has become a vital issue.
It is not baying for blood or Sherlock demanding his pound of flesh but a plea to apply and enforce the law.
Inaction will only increase the decibels in the voices screaming “double standards” despite the chest-thumping by Anwar that anyone who insults religion will be severely dealt with.
But action speaks louder than words. - Mkini
R NADESWARAN is a veteran journalist who tries to live up to the ethos of civil rights leader John Lewis: “When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something.” Comments: citizen.nades22@gmail.com
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.
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