Editor’s Note: Concerned Malaysians are standing up to pressure the Madani government to act against ‘rogue’ Muslim convert preacher Zamri Vinoth after political activist Arun Dorasamy issued a 48-hour ultimatum of a massive “Yellow Wav” street protest unless Zamri is reprimanded.
CONTROVERSIAL preacher and Hindu convert Zamri Vinoth insists that he has never insulted Hindus in Malaysia.
However, his recent remarks paint a different picture.
In response to MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan’s challenge to a debate, Zamri agreed, parroting his Perlis mentor with the phrase, “Dia jual, saya beli” (literally, “He sells, I buy”). So much for originality.
This comes on the heels of the controversy surrounding three ERA FM radio presenters who were forced to apologise after their offensive depiction of the kavadi ritual.
The Malay language radio station even faced the threat of its broadcasting license being revoke by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
Instead of easing tensions, Zamri inflamed the situation by claiming that Hindu devotees performing kavadi appeared “possessed or drunk on toddy”.
If this isn’t an insult, then the definition of insult itself needs re-evaluation.
Zamri may wish to ingratiate himself as a devout Muslim after his conversion but that is his personal choice. However, this should not come at the expense of humiliating or degrading other religions.
Repeat offender, glaring inaction
This isn’t the first time he has insulted Hinduism – hundreds of police reports have been lodged against him with even a legal case filed though unsuccessfully.
Yet, despite clear violations, the authorities have failed to act.
This selective enforcement of the law raises troubling questions. Some individuals are swiftly arrested for remarks touching on race, religion, and royalty (3R issues), while others, like Zamri, seem to enjoy impunity.
Such double standards fuel public resentment and erodes trust in law enforcement.
Given that Zamri’s remarks undoubtedly fall within the 3R (race, religion and royalty) category, why then are the police hesitant to act? Does he enjoy special protection?
Saravanan’s call for a debate is misguided. Such a platform would only legitimise Zamri’s offensive rhetoric by allowing him to further insult Hinduism under the guise of discussion.
More recently, Zamri has even requested the National Unity Ministry to arrange a dialogue with Saravanan – an alarming proposition given that the supposed topic is whether Hindus are “possessed or drunk on toddy” during kavadi rituals.
No reasonable person should entertain such a demeaning debate.
This is not a matter for discussion – it is a legal issue. Instead of engaging with Zamri, the authorities must arrest and charge him for his repeated hate speech.
If law enforcement continues to drag its feet, the public cannot be blamed for believing that justice in this country is applied unevenly.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the so-called champion of reform, remains conspicuously silent on hate crimes.
No debate. No dialogue. What is needed is immediate legal action. – March 11, 2025
Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
