According to Vell Paari, a 'Stupidity Act' will "rescue Malaysia from being ruined by ignorant imbeciles".
The MIC strategy director was referring to the police report by the Malaysian Muslim Consumer Association (PPIM) on mineral water bottles featuring the image of Batu Caves and Hindu deity Lord Muruga, supposedly next to the "halal" logo.
The image was one of numerous iconic locations affixed on the bottles as part of a tourism campaign.Vell Paari said the incident reminded him of a conversation he had with a foreigner who converted to Islam.
"When I asked him the reason for doing so, he told me that he was inspired after reading an English version of the Quran, which in a nutshell, he described as promising man that despite whatever nonsense happens, something good would emerge in the end," he added.
Similarly, Vell Paari said, "something good" had come to light from PPIM's "nonsensical" objection.
He described this as Hindus being alerted to the issue.
"Being a Hindu myself, I am outraged over the placement of the image of Lord Muruga on the bottles which would end up in trash bins after the contents are consumed.
"I would be similarly upset to find the images of other places of worship in trash bins as well.
"However, I do understand that the company had embarked on the campaign with the good intention of promoting Malaysia's tourism spots," Vell Paari added in a media statement.
He said perhaps the Muslim consumer group should also file a police report against the Tourism Ministry for citing Batu Caves as among the locations to visit or perhaps even urge it to exclude non-Muslims from tourism paraphernalia.
Belittling Muslims
As for the argument that placing Lord Muruga's image next to the "halal" logo might "confuse" Muslims, Vell Paari said this showed how "confused" PPIM is about the faith of Muslims.
"Its argument only serves to belittle Muslims by giving the impression that after drinking from the particular mineral water bottle, a Muslim might resort to carrying the 'kavadi' during Thaipusam in a state of 'confusion'," he added.
Vell Paari also expressed disappointment over the recent protest with regard to the construction of a church in Sunway.
"I
view these incidents as a sign of desperation among those who realise
that race and religion can no longer be used as tools of control."It is said that when a creature is under attack, that is when it is most ferocious.
"Similarly with moderate voices gaining ground (in Malaysia), the conservative and narrow-minded forces are clawing for survival," he added.
Vell Paari also pointed out that posters to promote tourism often depicted Malaysia as being rich in diversity with people of all races and faiths living together in harmony.
"But unfortunately, Malaysia is now making international news for being a land rich in intolerance with the constant playing up of an 'us versus them' agenda between the Muslims and non-Muslims as well as Malays and non-Malays.
"However, it would be foolish to think that change can be stopped," he said.
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