PUTRAJAYA, March 4 — National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Aro Dagang today strongly condemned all forms of conduct that mocks or insults any religion, including Hinduism, which occurred on local radio station Era FM.
He said such actions clearly contradict the principles of the Rukun Negara, the foundation of this country, and that the religious and cultural sensitivities in Malaysia must always be safeguarded and respected.
“As a plural country, we must foster a spirit of mutual respect for each other, regardless of religious or racial background. Any act that offends the feelings of other religions should not be tolerated in our multiracial society,” he said in a statement here today.
Aaron called on the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to act in accordance with the provisions under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 to ensure any dissemination of content that mocks or insults religion in mass media is subject to appropriate action.
He also reminded all parties not to incite tension or hatred between religious adherents, and that any action that could threaten the unity and harmony of the country should be taken seriously.
It was reported that Era FM staff were accused of disparaging Hinduism through a recent video that featured a radio presenter mocking the kavadi dance while shouting “Vel Vel”, actions usually seen during Thaipusam, amid laughter.
Following that, 3 Pagi Era radio presenter Azad Jasmin, popularly known as Pak Azad, apologised for the video in a post on Era FM’s Instagram account.
— Bernama
