JUST two days after ERA FM DJs stirred controversy by mocking a Thaipusam ritual, controversial preacher Zamri Vinoth said Hindus chanting “vel vel” is akin to individuals who are possessed or intoxicated.
"Many Hindus themselves chant "Vel Vel" while dancing like people possessed and drunk on toddy, but you don't say that's disrespectful.
"What you do is what others see and follow, but when others follow what you do, suddenly you get angry?
"If you're angry next time, don't do things that set a bad example for others! If you want to do it anyway, don't get angry. So choose one..," he said in his Facebook.
MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M Saravanan condemned Zamri Vinoth for his offensive post and urged the government and police to take swift action to prevent further provocation.
“Such irresponsible, inflammatory statements threaten our nation’s harmony and must not go unpunished,” he told The Vibes when contacted.
The Tapah MP said Zamri’s actions were a total lack of sensitivity and respect for Malaysia’s multireligious society.
"His words are an insult to the Hindus in this country. This is not the first time ... When he (Zamri) makes such offensive remarks, he hides behind weak excuses to evade accountability.
“Firm action must be taken to uphold harmony and mutual respect in our society," he said, adding that police reports have since been lodged over the insensitive post.
Earlier today, the ERA FM trio who were involved in a controversial video mocking a Hindu religious festival had their statements recorded at Bukit Aman.
Nabil Ahmad, Azad Jasmin and Radin Amir Effendi Ahmad Aruani spent about two hours providing their statements.
Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain had earlier said the trio are among six individuals scheduled to meet with officers from the Bukit Aman Classified Crime Investigation Unit (USJT).
The other three are Astro Audio director, a social media executive who acts as the TikTok administrator for the era.je account, as well as the radio station manager.
Police have so far received 44 reports linked to the video so far and are investigating under Section 298 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act for intentionally stirring up religious sentiments and misuse of network facilities.
Those convicted under Section 298 face a maximum of one year's jail or a fine or both, and those found guilty under Section 233 face a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or a maximum of one year's imprisonment or both.
Yesterday, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) stressed that any words or actions that touch on 3R (race, religion and royalty) issues will only disrupt national harmony and must never be repeated.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah said the Prime Minister reminded all quarters to avoid 3R polemic in any form.
"All Malaysians should prioritise mutual respect in the community.
"The Prime Minister also stresses the importance for the public to uphold and embody the principles of the Rukun Negara to protect harmony as well as to reject any action that can disrupt national unity," he said.
Anwar called on all Malaysians to embrace and practise these principles to preserve harmony and reject any attempts to sow division. – March 5, 2025
