Era FM DJs, two staff suspended over insult to Hindus

Summary

• Three Era FM hosts and two other staff have been suspended for an indeterminate amount of time while internal and MCMC probes are carried out after public outrage over belittling of the Thaipusam kavadi ritual.

• Astro Audio apologises for the incident, saying measures towards improved processes for content review are underway.

Three Era FM radio announcers and two other staff have been suspended pending internal investigations, as well as a Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) probe into a viral video of the hosts mocking the Thaipusam kavadi ritual.

Expressing its regret over the recent incident, Era FM operator Astro Audio said its chief executive officer and senior leaders had also met with MCMC earlier today.

“In line with these investigations, we have suspended the three announcers and two additional staff members,” Astro Audio said in a statement today.

In an earlier statement, the media company initially said the three presenters had been taken off the air, assuring that it is also taking steps to strengthen its content review processes.

“We sincerely apologise for causing hurt and disappointment to those who are affected.

“We appreciate the feedback from our listeners and stakeholders and will continue to listen, learn and do better. Thank you for your continued support and understanding,” it said.

It added that it is cooperating closely with authorities and regulators to ensure full compliance with all guidelines and requirements.

‘Unintentional mistake’

Earlier today, Era FM hosts Nabil Ahmad, Azad Jasmin, and Radin Amir Affendy took to social media to apologise for their “unintentional” mistake of insulting the Indian community.

The apology was in response to backlash over a controversial video, in which Azad was seen dancing to a "vel vel" chant by several other staff before he burst into laughter.

The chant "vel vel" invokes the Hindu deity Lord Muruga and is often chanted during Thaipusam when a person is taking the kavadi.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil ordered the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to thoroughly probe the incident, including by calling Astro and Era FM’s management for an explanation.

National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang also called on MCMC to take the necessary action as afforded under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 on the improper use of network facilities.

Behaviour against Islamic teachings

PAS Non-Muslim Supporters’ Wing (DHPP) urged Era FM to take full responsibility and issue an open apology to the Hindu community over the incident.

Calling for strict action against the employees involved to ensure similar incidents are not repeated, DHPP Youth chief Balendran Balasubramaniam also urged all media companies to be more cautious when publishing content.

“As a mainstream media organisation, Era FM should be more aware of the various faiths and cultures in a multiracial society… (The incident) has triggered the anger of Hindu devotees locally and internationally.

“Islam strictly forbids Muslims from insulting and belittling other religions (as) it could incite dissatisfaction among believers and cause them to respond by insulting Islam in turn,” he highlighted.

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