MIC Youth wants Universiti Pertahanan Nasional senior lecturer Ridhuan Tee Abdullah to be taught a "lesson" for having hurt the feelings of the Indian Malaysian community.

NONE Information chief S Subramaniam said the federal government should not let Ridhuan (left) off the hook over his article, published in Sinar Harian last week .

Critics have labelled Ridhuan’s remarks as “racist” for his interpretation of the observation of the Thaipusam festival at Batu Caves, Selangor.

"Let us deliver a lesson to those who intentionally stir up racial issues to gain cheap popularity," Subramaniam said.

"We hope the (Home) Ministry will take immediate action against (him)."

He was speaking to reporters after delivering a protest note to the ministry this morning.

The memorandum was received by Shamril Faizalis Shamsul, the deputy principal secretary of the security and public order division.

Several police reports have been lodged against Ridhuan following the publication of his article.

Sinar Harian has since apologised for its role in the controversy, but Ridhuan has remained mum.

Ridhuan, a familiar figure in religious talks and programmes on television, has often courted controversy for his pro-government and extreme pro-Malay and pro-Islam views, often at the expense of those of other races and religions in Malaysia.

NONE In his column 'Kesabaran umat Islam ada had' (There is limit to Muslim patience), Ridhuan commented on congestion in the areas surrounding Batu Caves before and during the annual Hindu festival.

"Have we ever complained during Thaipusam celebration? A week before the festival, the entire area surrounding Batu Caves is congested. Vehicles have been parked wherever the owners please," the controversial columnist wrote.

"A sea of people of a single colour gathers, as though there are no other colours in this country."

Ridhuan also claimed that due to federal and state allocations received after the 2008 general election, temples and idols that were once grim-looking are now bigger, taller and more colourful.

"From what I see, we (Muslims) have given up everything to garner sympathy and votes. This country has no identity any more.

"The Islam and Malay agenda have since gone. I am confident that even if BN were to win in the 13th general election, the present situation will not change.

"We will continue to take care of others rather than ourselves."