KUALA LUMPUR : “The proposed suspension of ERA FM by the Malaysian Multimedia and Communications Commission (MCMC) seems harsh as the wrongdoing was committed by three deejays and not the entire station staff”, MIC Deputy President Datuk Seri M.Saravanan said in a statement today.
“The radio station has issued a public apology and taken action against those concerned. We are worried that suspending the radio station would involve the livelihood of many. It would be unfair for other staff of the radio station to suffer because of a wrong doing of just three employees, especially in this holy month of Ramadhan. Many innocent employees of all races work there, and their livelihoods should not be affected due to the actions of a few individuals. As we are in the holy month of Ramadan, let us embrace unity, forgiveness, and fairness in addressing this issue. The DJs have made a serious misstep in the name of content creation, but they are now facing the repercussions. Their intention may not have been to create chaos or animosity, and we must allow the legal process to take its course in order for there to be precedents over such matters” Saravanan further noted in his statement.
However, the government should act swiftly against those who smear religion on social media, without fear or favour, as this trend has the potential of destroying the nation’s peace and harmony, Saravanan urged the government.
“The Police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) should act against these sort of religious bigots and make an example of them so that Malaysians will know that playing with religious issue is akin to playing with fire. People like Zamri Vinoth have a long track record of making inflammatory remarks that sow discord among Malaysians. Under the pretense of religious preaching, he has continuously spread harmful narratives, provoking tensions between communities” Saravanan said.
“At the same time, action must also be taken against individuals like Vijayan Savarinathan, who have insulted and criticized Islam. Just as we condemn those who mock Hinduism, we must also be firm against those who disrespect any other religion. In a country as diverse as Malaysia, racial and religious harmony must be upheld at all costs. We cannot afford to allow any individual, regardless of their background, to threaten this unity” Saravanan noted.
“What we need is consistency in action. There cannot be selective enforcement when it comes to matters of racial and religious sensitivity. The government must apply the law fairly and firmly to all parties who threaten the peace and harmony of our nation. This is not about race or religion but about ensuring mutual respect among Malaysians” said Saravanan, who is also the member of parliament of Tapah.
