The Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) has called out a video showcasing a local Malay-language radio station staff allegedly mocking Hinduism.
Taking to its Facebook page, the political party urged Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil to take action against the radio station.
They wrote, “MIC condemns the brainless and disgraceful act by ERA FM staff, who shamelessly mocked the Hindu religion by making a joke out of the sacred Kavadi dance while chanting ‘Vel Vel’ in a recent video.”
“This is not just stupidity – it is a blatant insult to the faith and traditions of Hindus in Malaysia. Such a disgusting display of ignorance and disrespect has no place in our society.”
They added that media industry staff should at least have a basic understanding of religious and cultural sensitivities in Malaysia, and that the ‘joke’ goes against the understanding.
“This is not humour but an act of mockery that deeply offends the Hindu community.”
“This is not a small issue”
MIC went on to explain that such ‘jokes’ violate the mutual respect and harmony built by the different races and religions in Malaysia.
“When a major media outlet allows such an insensitive and offensive act, it creates division and damages the very fabric of our multicultural society. This is not a small issue as it is a dangerous precedent that cannot be ignored,” they shared.
MIC ultimately wants the authorities to take immediate and strict action against the radio station.
“At the very least, ERA FM must issue a public apology to the Hindu community, and the individuals responsible must face the consequences. No religion should ever be ridiculed in this manner, and those who engage in such despicable acts must be held accountable,”
“We urge the Minister of Communications Fahmi Fadzil to act against the station as allowing such a blatant act to go unpunished will set a dangerous precedent for the future for other media outlets,” they added.
ERA FM has posted an apology video on TikTok
ERA FM has since taken to its TikTok account to issue an apology and assure viewers that the incident will not be repeated.
Prior to this, a video of the radio station’s staff had gone viral online, showcasing one of them ‘imitating’ the Kavadi dance while others laughed and chanted “Vel Vel”, which refers to the Hindu God of War, Murugan.
The Kavadi dance is a ceremonial sacrifice and offering practiced by devotees during the worship of Murugan. This is often observed as a part of Thaipusam.
You can check out the video here.
What do you think about this? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
