Jam-packed police reports over Hindus ‘syaitan’ remark

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 20: A Facebook post addressing Hindus as ‘syaitan’ (demons) has caused an uproar among Malaysians of all races for its insensitivity, especially to the Hindus, whom had just celebrated Thaipusam.

On Friday, a Facebook user named Man Namblast allegedly posted “berpuluh ribu syaitan sedang berarak menaiki tangga bt caves” (tens of thousands of demons are marching up the stairs at Batu Caves).

The remark aimed on Hindu devotees, who celebrated the Thaipusam festival at the Batu Caves Murugan temple, has offended and provoked the public’s outrage.

The Facebook page was removed entirely, when checked by The Malaysian Times (TMT).

However, a screenshot of the post is being circulated and has gone viral in media and social networks.

Frustrated with the racial remark that insulted the Hindus and Thaipusam, the public, various NGOs and political parties are lodging police reports nationwide.

Datuk Seri G. Palanivel

MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel told TMT that it was a foolish remark that has offended the Indian community and has called upon the police and the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to take stern action without any delay.

“Issues that can harm the unity in this country shouldn’t be tolerated.

“It is not our culture and it is very unacceptable,” the Natural Resources and Environment Minister said.

“The matter is going viral everywhere and the police and relevant authorities must take action immediately,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Indian Education Transformation Association (MIETA) chairman A. Elangovan, who also made a police report on the matter, told TMT that it was an irresponsible post and has triggered anger of many.

“No religions have the rights to humiliate the others. Thaipusam is a recognised festival in this country and it has to be respected by all.

“It is a racist remark that can threaten the unity among the multiracial community in Malaysia.

“I believe with the police reports lodged nationwide the police and MCMC will take action on the irresponsible Facebook user,” he said.

A. Elangovan

MIC YOUTH WILL TAKE IT TO COURT

Meanwhile, MIC youth chief C. Sivarraajh said that the wing will take the matter to the court if no action are taken regarding the post by Man Namblast.

“If police refused to take any action against the user, MIC youth will sue and drag him to the court on our personal capacity.

“No apology accepted,” he stressed. The wing has also lodged a police report.

C. Sivarraajh

MIC Puchong youth secretary K. Gunalan said police report has been made by the division youth against Man Namblast hoping the authority will take immediate action as a lesson for those irresponsible racial remarks made in social media.

“Should the authority fail to take further action, we shall not hesitate to proceed with legal action as mentioned by National MIC Youth Leader,” he said.

The Malaysian Hindu Youth Council (HYO) committee members will also lodge report, today, against the Facebook post that insulted the Hindus.

Its secretary-general A. Tharman said that police reports will be lodged by the members of the movement in all states.

A police source confirmed that various complaints have been received and more reports are expected on the matter by NGOs and civilians as their part to fight for their community’s rights.

A saddened devotee, who preferred to be unnamed, told TMT that such remark in social media was a disappointing act.

“It is very sad to see certain individuals making fun of other religions. Wonder what good feel they get in insulting the others?” she asked.

“The police have to put a full stop for such reckless remarks,” she added.

Mohd Ismail said that “Every ethnic in this country has the rights to practice their culture freely.

“Any critics over the religious matters have to be harshly punished,” the 23-year-old engineering student said.

AS SERIOUS AS ‘BAH KUT TEH’ FIASCO

While, another devotee said that the matter has to be taken seriously by the police and government, as it can pollute the country’s harmony.

“This is a national issue. Actions have to be taken like how the authorities reacted towards  the controversial Alvivi couples,” he said.

The Alvivi pair, Alvin Tan Jye Yee and Vivian Lee May Ling, was charged at court despite their action of posting a message ridiculing Ramadan and pornographic images on their blog.

Tan, 25, and Lee, 24, came under fire making a seditious posting on their Facebook page by uploading a photo of themselves eating bak kut teh (a pork dish) with the greeting Selamat Berbuka Puasa with bak kut teh (fragrant, delicious and appetising) together with the halal logo.