The Malaysian Hindu Sangam (MHS) recently called out an Islamic preacher on Facebook for a now-deleted comic photo which was posted online and considered religiously insensitive.
In a statement, MHS urged the preacher to immediately correct or retract the offensive statements, emphasising that such content could disrupt religious harmony.
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“Malaysia is a country with different races and religions”
While the comic poster posted on Facebook was meant to educate Muslim children, MHS found the poster contains statements that insult and demean the Hindu faith, particularly the practice of idol worship.
“While efforts to educate children about religion are highly valued, we must remember that Malaysia is a country with diverse races and religions. Therefore, any educational material must be presented with full sensitivity towards other beliefs and religious practices.”
MHS emphasised that comparisons between religions should not be made based on biased interpretations or a lack of understanding of other religions.
A Muslim woman and her son looking curious about a Hindu temple
According to The Malaysian Insight, the poster that was posted went viral on social media where it features a dialogue between a Muslim woman and her son, who’s curious about a Hindu temple.
In the description, the mother explains to the son saying,
“They do not pray to Allah but they worship idols. Who is greater? Humans or statues? It is humans who make idols. Idols can’t move. That’s why they are called kafirs, because they do not pray to Allah, and no one should pray to anything but Allah.”
MHS said that religious education should promote respect and humanity, not spread hatred and racism.
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“Religious differences shouldn’t be a barrier”
MHS is also using the right channels to deal with this issue, including reaching out to the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), the Ministry of National Unity, the Malaysian Islamic Propagation Foundation (YADIM), and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) to keep interfaith harmony in check.
They believe that religious differences shouldn’t be a barrier to unity but instead, a basis for harmony and mutual prosperity if respected and understood properly.
“Let’s come together to foster the spirit of humanity and unity in our multiracial society during this Merdeka month, and to get to know and respect each other’s beliefs.”
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