YOURSAY ‘It’s impossible to hide comments even if made in ‘closed’ functions.’
Preacher says sorry for insult to Hindus
Abasir: Now that is an apology from Islamic preacher Shahul Hamid. Let's move on.
However it is not over for PAS. It should embark on a campaign to educate its members on how not to sully Islam and the party by what they say and do... especially behind closed doors.
Gondrak: Well done. You've not only apologised but you also stated your race and not claiming to be another. Not that it matters, but I think you've set yourself apart from some people I know.
As a Christian, I can only say you are not my enemy.
Not Confused: Shahul might have apologised, but I seriously doubt his sincerity. He made the comments, so the genie is out of the bottle.
Is he trying to say that he didn't mean to say those things? I think not - he meant to say them and believes what he said, otherwise the idea wouldn't have entered his head.
The only reason he apologised is because the video of his comments got out into the media.
People with views like his should wake up and join the rest of us in our connected world where it is virtually impossible to hide comments or actions even if made in "closed" functions.
To those here who say that he apologised and let it go - appeasement is never an acceptable option. If people with such views are allowed to get away scot free, then we are doomed.
If similar comments had been made against Islam, the heavens would have opened and the thugs in blue would be out in force, supported by hoards of Muslims with their banners threatening death and destruction against the offender.
Jagara: He has apologised. It seems to me a sincere and genuine apology. He has learned his lesson. It reflects well on him too that he apologised promptly unreservedly.
We should be forgiving as we too want to be others to forgive us when we make mistakes. For me, his apology his good enough.
Vijay47: There are two surprises here. First, this miserable character's apology seems sincere without any excuse or qualification, though he did add the usual "I did not mean to do it", whatever that means.
Secondly, incredibly, he actually acknowledged that he was an Indian, a confession not many Indian-Muslims would want to make in this day and age.
All the same, he should be charged in court, we have been having once too often this convenient habit of making offensive statements against non-Muslims, apologising, and all is forgiven and forgotten. That is, until the next time.
Inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar, this would be a good case for your favourite "sedition charges".
Ferdtan: The power of social media has been put to good use in this case. Sometimes it is good. Other times bad. It can shame the defaulters.
Ksn: Offering an apology is the least he could do. But why was those insulting, derogatory remarks made in the first place especially as he is a preacher? Does he know anything about Hinduism except that he has seen some statues?
Think before opening the mouth, especially about another religion he knows nothing about. Did Islam teach him to ridicule other religions?
Negarawan: Again, we see the exemplary leadership of PAS leader Mujahid Yusof Rawa to foster forgiveness and peace among the different ethnic and religious groups.
Such leadership is seriously lacking in Malaysia. Hopefully, his leadership will spawn and inspire more peacemakers to come forward.
Ex-PJ: A strange logic in his lecture; advising listeners not to buy 'Hindu' curry powder. Does it mean that he will not eat 'Buddhist' Thai rice or roti made from 'Christian' wheat farmers.
He should be charged with sedition. Unfortunately, there are no laws against stupidity.
Malaccan: It says much that Shahul is willing to go this far to express his regret and apology.
The fact that he is a PAS member is of no relevance. He is not a leader unlike PAS central committee member Mohd Zuhdi Marzuki. The only reason why his membership was brought up seems likely to be for political reasons.
He had brought enough odium to himself and his religion to serve as a deterrent to future events, hopefully.
As much as we should all be vigilant and stand up together against cases of racism and religious extremism from all quarters, Malaysians must also be wise in knowing how to remain constructive and move things along the road of reconciliation.
Forgiveness when it is asked for sincerely and with repentance, should be considered. It is the haughty, arrogant and unrepentant bigotry and extremism that must be pursued and confronted. And we have enough of those running loose and free on our streets at this moment.
Progressive: It should be in our hearts to forgive Shahul. It takes great courage for someone to admit and ask for forgiveness.
This also shows many leaders in PAS are sincere and forward looking. There is still hope for our nation.
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