KUALA LUMPUR – Independent preacher Zamri Vinoth and MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M Saravanan appear set to debate each other, after the former accepted the latter’s challenge amid outcry over the Muslim convert’s remarks on the kavadi ritual.
On Facebook last night, Zamri said he accepted Saravanan’s challenge to a debate.
“Who is ready to host it? Where is the place? What’s the title?” the preacher wrote.
Saravanan followed with his own Facebook post, proposing the debate be held at 11am on March 23, at any venue of Zamri’s choosing.
Saravanan also proposed that Dewan Bahasa Tamil Malaysia organise and host the event.
As for the topic, the MIC leader said it was “simple”.
“You claimed that ‘Hindus who lift the kavadi also chant Vel Vel while they dance as if they are possessed and intoxicated with toddy’.
“I am looking forward to your confirmation,” said Saravanan, who is Tapah MP.
Saravanan earlier called for harsher action on Zamri for his “long track record of making inflammatory remarks”.
“Under the pretence of religious preaching, he has continuously spread harmful narratives, provoking tensions between communities,” the MIC leader said yesterday.
He had been remarking on alleged inconsistencies in the way the government took action on those who made racially divisive statements, highlighting the recent case of three Era FM radio presenters who allegedly mocked the kavadi ritual.
Saravanan said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC) proposal to suspend the radio station over the three radio presenters’ antics may be too harsh, as other employees not involved in the matter would be affected.
Saravanan had compared the proposed suspension to the lack of firm action on preachers like Zamri, who had made those remarks about the kavadi ritual claiming that he “knew” because he was formerly Hindu.
Jelutong MP RSN Rayer has lodged a police report against Zamri while former deputy law and institutional reform minister Ramkarpal Singh called for an investigation as the Muslim convert preacher had violated Penal Code laws on provoking public peace and making comments to incite others.
Zamri has been investigated previously for other remarks deemed offensive to Hinduism but was not charged. – March 7, 2025