THE Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) has strongly opposed the annual International Youth Rationalism Forum 2.0 because of the alleged presence of controversial speakers.
PHEB chairman RSN Rayer said that he hopes that the event which begins today at the Kuala Lumpur Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, can be postponed altogether.
He said this after meeting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently to convey the board's stance on the matter.
Rayer claimed that the event promotes Periyarism, an ideology that advocates Dravidianism and atheism, which he claims contradicts the principles of Malaysia’s Rukun Negara, particularly the core values of ‘Belief in God.’
“We appeal to the Home Ministry to cancel or postpone the forum. I have also reached out to Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail via WhatsApp to address the issue."
Rayer reaffirmed that the PHEB will not allow such a forum to be held in Penang either.
Periyar also known as ‘Thantai Periyar,’ was a famous Indian social activist and politician in Tamil Nadu, India.
Attempts have been made to reach out to the organisers of the forum, which is believed to have begun today. - December 21, 2024.
