DATUK SERI M. Saravanan, deputy President of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), has called for unity and fairness in handling Religion, Race Royalty (3R) situations, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
He has expressed strong concern over the proposed suspension of Era FM by the Malaysian Multimedia and Communications Commission (MCMC), emphasising that such a move would negatively impact the livelihoods of the station’s entire staff.
Saravanan, who is also the Member of Parliament for Tapah, panned the suggestion as harsh, pointing out that the wrongdoing, committed by just three DJs, should not lead to a collective punishment for the entire station.
“The entire staff should not be penalised for the actions of a few individuals,” Saravanan stated.
“The three deejays made a mistake, and while the radio station has issued a public apology and taken action against the individuals involved, suspending the entire station would be unfair to the many others who depend on their jobs.”
The controversy stems from a viral video featuring the three Era FM DJs mocking a Hindu religious ceremony. In response to the incident, MCMC issued a notice of intent on March 5, informing Era FM’s license holder of a potential 30-day suspension, allowing them time to respond.
“The DJs have made a serious mistake in the name of content creation, but they are now facing the consequences. We should let the legal process run its course,” he added.
However, Saravanan also called for swift and decisive action against those who misuse social media to incite religious hatred.
“We must not tolerate those who seek to undermine the peace and harmony of our nation by playing with religious issues,” he said. “It’s vital that the police and MCMC address these provocations firmly, regardless of who the individuals are.”
He stressed that consistency in enforcement is essential, noting that similar actions should be taken against individuals who disrespect any religion. “Just as we condemn those who mock Hinduism, we must also be firm in holding accountable those who insult Islam or any other religion,” Saravanan said, pointing to the case of Zamri Vinoth, an independent preacher with a history of making inflammatory remarks.
Saravanan criticized Zamri for mocking the kavadi ritual, an important Hindu practice, and called for his arrest under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).
“Zamri has a track record of making provocative statements, and this time he must be held accountable,” Saravanan said, adding that he had raised the matter with both the Prime Minister and Home Minister.
Zamri was previously investigated in 2019 for insulting Hinduism but was not charged. Recently, he posted a controversial remark on social media likening participants in the kavadi ritual to those “possessed and drunk on toddy.”
In response to Zamri’s comments, Saravanan urged for immediate legal action, echoing calls from former Deputy Minister Ramkarpal Singh and Jelutong MP RSN Rayer.
They both demanded that Zamri be investigated for his remarks under Sections 504 and 505 of the Penal Code, which cover insults with the intent to provoke a breach of the peace and statements promoting public mischief, respectively.
Saravanan, demonstrating his readiness to engage in dialogue, also challenged Zamri to a public debate on Hinduism, should he be interested in learning more about the faith. “If he wants to understand Hinduism better, I am prepared to debate him,” Saravanan offered.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, confirmed that investigations into the Era FM video have been completed, with the investigation paper now forwarded to the Attorney General’s Chambers.
He also reminded the public not to make statements on social media that could incite racial or religious tension, stressing that authorities would take firm action against anyone attempting to disrupt harmony in the country.
Zamri accepts Saravanan's debate challenge
Meanwhile, Zamri has accepted Saravanan’s challenge to a debate on Hinduism, following the 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 in Tamil.
“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,
Saravanan proposed that the debate be held on March 23, with Dewan Bahasa Tamil Malaysia as the organiser.
“As for the venue, Zamri can select any location in Kuala Lumpur,” he added. – March 7, 2025
