KUALA LUMPUR – The President of the Malaysian Hindu Temples and Religious Associations Council (MAHIMA), Datuk N. Sivakumar, has strongly condemned ERA FM over a viral video in which the station allegedly mocked the Hindu faith by chanting “Vel, Vel” in a disrespectful manner.
Calling the act irrational and deeply offensive, Sivakumar expressed frustration over the repeated insensitivity towards religious issues in Malaysia.
“I am exhausted and frustrated by the actions of those who continuously insult religions and racial harmony. This is not the first time such incidents have happened, yet no one seems to take them seriously.
“It is disappointing to keep issuing press statements on such sensitive matters, only to be met with silence. The MADANI government must step in, yet all we see is inaction,” he said in a statement today.
MADANI Government Must Take Immediate Action
Sivakumar reminded that the government had previously pledged to amend the Sedition Act to address racial, religious, and royal (3R) provocations. However, he lamented the lack of concrete action, particularly when it involves non-Muslim religious sensitivities.
“We have seen cases such as the disrespectful depiction of Lord Murugan in an animation and the controversial ‘corn issue’ receive only minor penalties. In the latter case, the offender merely paid a RM400 fine—where is the strict action we were promised?” he questioned.
He urged the Ministry of National Unity to introduce clear guidelines and bring the matter to Parliament for debate, ensuring that religious disrespect is met with severe consequences.
Legal Action Under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998
Sivakumar further criticized ERA FM for deleting the controversial video from TikTok, stating that while they were quick to erase evidence, they failed to uphold interfaith harmony.
“A public apology is not enough. ERA FM must be held accountable under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588). This law governs content broadcasted on television, radio, and the internet, prohibiting defamatory, obscene, insulting, or security-threatening material,” he stressed.
He warned that if no action is taken, media corporations will continue to disregard religious sensitivities without fear of repercussions.
Upholding Religious Sensitivities in Malaysia
Sivakumar emphasized that Malaysians must foster respect and understanding between different faiths to maintain the country’s harmony.
“The public must be educated on religious sensitivities, and strict legal measures must be enforced to prevent such incidents from recurring.
“This is not just about one video—it is about protecting the fabric of our multicultural society,” he concluded.
-MalayaDailyToday
