Kuala Lumpur, July 30 – Malaysia Hindu Dharma Maamandram, one of the prominent NGO representing Malaysian Hindus has condemned the speech Ustaz Shahul Hamid belittling the Hindu religion.
In a statement issued today, the Association’s President Radhakrishnan Alagamalai said Hindu Dharma Maamandram condemns the video statement ridiculing a Hindu God by Ustaz Shahul Hamid.
The video was uploaded on you tube by one Mohd Izuman and since then has gone viral on facebook and whatsapp recently.
In the video titled ‘Ustaz Shahul Hamid 2014 – Serbuk Kari babas dan Alagapas (sempoi)’, the speaker has ridiculed a Hindu Deity in the most disrespectful manner. The clip that runs for 1.02 minutes also discourages Muslims from buying world renowned brand of Alagappa’s and Babas curry powder and spices on the pretext that both are Hindu products.
Rathakrishnan in his statement further commented: “Maamandram members across the country are deeply hurt by this irresponsible speech and have voiced their concern. The video is an insult to the Hindu religion and Malaysian Hindus and the very concept of 1Malaysia promoted by the Prime Minister”
“Malaysia truly Asia”
“Malaysia is a country where multi racial and multi religious Communities live harmoniously together, consuming multi cultural food products, resembling true Asia. It is a distinct unique feature of this nation and we must accept and respect our differences, as done by our forefathers. Hence, this kind of statement or speech that ridicules a particular race or religion must be deemed seditious and immediate action should be taken by the authorities concerned. Otherwise it will be unhealthy to national solidarity, harmony and economy growth” Rathakrishnan said.
“Respected people with good academic background must not throw wrong words blatantly. Wrong words can be very poisonous, especially to young minds. People must first be humane and think before speaking publicly. Respect for all races and beliefs must be continuously preached and practiced as it is of utmost importance to all of us. It is not a difficult thing to exercise humanity” Rathakrishnan reiterated.
He also said Maamandram calls on the person/s responsible for uploading this video to remove it from youtube before it causes further hurt to Malaysian Hindus.
Maamandram will also make a written complaint to the Home Ministry for further investigations and to take stern action on Ustaz Shahul Hamid.
Form a national body for Hindus
Rathakrishnan called for a national government body to be formed to look into the affairs and protect the interests of Malaysian Hindus. This national government body should also monitor damaging and hurting speeches and statements of this nature in future.
Maamandram has also called on Malaysian Hindus to be calm and not to respond negatively to such derogatory statements or remarks from any irresponsible individual and urged Hindus to be positive and to focus their mind and energy on nation building and educating our children.
