Zamri accused of making religious insults.
National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang has called for stern action against several individuals, including controversial preacher Zamri Vinoth, for making religiously insensitive remarks.
Others named by the minister include Vijayan Savarinathan, Saravanan Sanmugom, and a TikTok user known as “Crime_Man”. All four had posted offensive videos following the Era FM controversy, where radio hosts were criticised for mocking the Thaipusam kavadi ritual.
Zamri claimed people were merely imitating what Hindus did while “drunk” (mabuk), while Vijayan, Saravanan, and Crime_Man responded with videos deemed insulting to Islam and Muslims.
Aaron condemned their actions as “unacceptable.”
“I’m issuing a stern warning—do not repeat these irresponsible acts,” he stated, urging the police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to act against content that disrupts national harmony.
The minister also highlighted ongoing efforts by his ministry to promote interfaith understanding, including initiatives like the Cakap Baik-Baik (Speak Good) campaign.
Ramkarpal demands swift action
Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh has called for immediate action against Zamri, demanding the removal of his social media post comparing Hindu chanting during Thaipusam to people who are “possessed or intoxicated.”
“The insults and mockery of the Hindu religion by Zamri must be condemned, and an investigation with the intent to prosecute him should begin without delay,” Ramkarpal said in a statement.
He warned that failure to act could fuel further unrest, especially given the sensitivity of the issue following the Era FM controversy.
“Zamri’s comments on kavadi carrying during Thaipusam are grossly irresponsible and insensitive,” he added.
Ramkarpal noted that while the Era FM DJs had apologised, Zamri’s remarks only deepened tensions. He also cautioned against selective prosecution, pointing out that comedian Harith Iskander and Cecelia Yap were recently fined for their remarks about the “ham” sandwich controversy.
Zamri’s comments, he said, potentially violate Sections 504 and 505 of the Penal Code, which criminalise intentional insults likely to cause public unrest. He added that the preacher could also be charged under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Act 1998.
Zamri’s controversial statement
In a social media post, Zamri questioned why people found it offensive when “Hindus chant ‘vel vel’ and dance as if they are possessed (macam orang kena rasuk) while intoxicated (mabuk todi).”
He argued that if Hindus continued the practice, they should not be offended when others imitate it.
“If you find it upsetting, then stop doing it so others won’t follow. If you choose to continue, then don’t be offended when others mock it. So, pick one,” he wrote.
He also posted an image suggesting that chanting “vel vel” does not cause fatalities, unlike the 2018 riot outside a Hindu temple in Subang Jaya, which led to firefighter Adib Kassim’s death.
Zamri’s remarks followed an incident involving three Era FM radio announcers, who were investigated after a TikTok video showed one of them dancing while another chanted “vel vel.”
The DJs, who have since apologised, were suspended pending police and MCMC investigations.