KUALA LUMPUR – The debate between MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan and controversial preacher Zamri Vinoth is off.
Saravanan told the media that following advice from Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, he decided to call off the debate.
Aaron had yesterday called for all parties to refrain from engaging in religious debates, including the hotly anticipated Saravanan-Zamri one.
The minister had cautioned that open discussions focusing on religious differences could incite tension and strain interfaith relations.
Instead, Saravanan called on the authorities to proceed with the investigations against Zamri, following the latter’s alleged disparaging remarks on Hindu devotees carrying kavadi during Thaipusam.
Saravanan explained he did not want to fuel the issue further. especially with numerous police reports lodged against Zamri.
“As a Hindu I am obligated to defend my religion and correct any misconceptions out there about Thaipusam or the religion in general,” he said during a press conference at a restaurant in Brickfields today.
“For Zamri to say that Hindus carrying kavadi and dancing were akin to being possessed and intoxicated by consuming too much toddy is highly offensive!
“Devotees will have to pray and fast before carrying a kavadi,” said the Tapah MP.
The debate was originally scheduled for 11am on March 23.
Meanwhile, Jelutong MP RSN Rayer has called on the attorney-general and police to take immediate action against Zamri for his continued provocations, stressing that this was not the first time the preacher had incited racial and religious tensions.
In a statement, Rayer noted that despite widespread outrage and multiple police reports lodged against him, Zamri remained defiant, even reposting his controversial remarks after they were temporarily removed.
According to Rayer, Zamri had not only mocked the Thaipusam kavadi ritual but also attempted to link the festival to the death of fireman Adib Kassim, in what he described as a deliberate effort to stoke unrest.
“This is not an isolated incident. Zamri has repeatedly insulted religious minorities and defied authorities, disregarding the Prime Minister’s call for unity,” he said.
He drew comparisons to other cases of religious insensitivity, arguing that authorities had acted swiftly in instances such as the KK Mart controversy. He urged law enforcement to apply the same standard to Zamri and the Era FM DJs.
Rayer stressed that while Malaysians should remain calm, it was crucial that decisive action be taken to prevent further incitement and protect religious harmony in the country. – March 11, 2025