Respect multiracial M'sia, groups say after viral post on Hinduism

Everyone should learn to respect multi-racial Malaysia instead of attempting to spread division, said Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) president T Ganesan.

He said this in response to a viral Facebook post which he deemed offensive to Hindus.

“We have referred the matter to the National Unity Ministry. We also urge the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) to look into the matter.

“This should not be happening, especially so when we are to celebrate Merdeka soon,” he told Malaysiakini.

The Facebook post featured a comic strip of a “mother” educating her child Hud on the difference between Hinduism and Islam and cautioning the child against equating the statues in the Hindu temples to gods.

“Never say a temple is where the infidels pray to their gods. You will get confused thinking there are many gods,” the “mother” said.

When Hud questions the “mother” on why Hindus are called infidels, the “mother” says that it is because they do not worship Allah.

“Allah is the only God but they refuse to worship Him. They want to worship statues, but the latter can’t even help them.

“And that is why they are called infidels. They refuse to worship Allah, the only God…they worship what is created by Him but not the Creator himself,” the post reads.

MHS criticised the post in a statement yesterday, saying while it’s good to teach children about their religion, it should be presented in a way that is sensitive to other faiths.

The group added that when comparing religions, it should not be done based on skewed interpretation or limited understanding.

“Besides, the interpretation given of Hinduism in the comic is wrong and gives a negative perception of the religion,” the statement reads.

Authorities must act

Asked whether MHS would lodge a police report on the matter, Ganesan replied in the negative.

“We have referred the matter to the deputy national unity minister (K Saraswathy) to try to resolve the matter amicably,” he said.

Malaysiakini has reached out to Saraswathy for comments.

Another group, Malaysia Hindudharma Maamandram, also criticised the Facebook user for making an offensive post on Hinduism.

“This is a provocation and irresponsible act to undermine our faith.

“Not only it is offensive to Hindus, but it also affects religious harmony that has been Malaysia’s foundation over the years.

“We urge the authorities to take action against the individual to ensure such matters are not repeated,” its president A Radhakrishnan said in a statement today.

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