TAMIL language news site Vanakam Malaysia has apparently been forced to take down its social media posts which reported the recent conversion to Islam of social activist Cikgu Chandra after being swamped by allegations of having published something “un-newsworthy”.
With no more string attached, the staunch supporter of the anti-illegal temple movement a.k.a. Gerakan Anti Rumah Anutan Haram (GARAH) which is spearheaded by Muslim convert preachers Zamri Vinoth and Firdaus Wong Wai Hung can perhaps be a more vocal proponent of the movement from now on.
In a series of Facebook posts propagating his finding of the light and the eventual opening of his heart to accept his new faith, Cikgu Chandra who was born S. Chandrasegaran surprisingly “welcomed” a somehow derogatory Hindu Task Force poster which celebrated his departure from Hinduism.
“It’s also good that they released posters like this. Your religion is your religion … my religion is my religion. Every human being has their own life journey and choices,” he justified in a recent social media post.
“Now, I choose Islam. Not because I hate the religion I once followed but because I found something in Islam that makes my heart calmer and I want to be a better person.”
Added Cikgu Chandra who received enormous number of praises from his newfound brethren:
I’m still learning, still having many shortcomings and am still looking for ways to improve myself. However, I believe that Islam teaches me about morality, love, patience and respect for fellow human beings.
Oh Allah, forgive my sins and their sins. Give us all Your guidance and guidance. Hopefully one day we will all return to the path that pleases You. 🤲🏻
‘No loss to Indian-Hindu community’
Interestingly, Cikgu Chandra made no mention if his wife and two children shall retain their existing spiritual path or follow his footsteps. He only provided this one-liner as an indication:
“This is my choice and my race is not qualified to argue. Full ⛔.”
As it is, Cikgu Chandra has built a formidable online presence among the rightist faction of the Malay Muslim community by aggressively campaigning against illegal Hindu temples that led to his highly publicised legal actions, an arrest under the Sedition Act 1948 and an arson attack on his property.
In early 2026, he faced intense backlash and legal trouble for social media posts where he used derogatory terms, namely “botol kicap” (literally, “soy sauce bottle”) to describe the Indian community while labelling them as uncivilised.
For many, his conversion is seen as “not a loss at all” but culmination of a trajectory where he had already distanced himself from and given he has actively clashed with the mainstream Indian-Hindu community.
Conversely, Malay Muslims and the mualaf (new convert) support networks (as apparent on the comment section of his series of FB posts) have welcomed him with open arms by offering words of encouragement and guidance.
They view him as a brother in faith and have publicly defended his right to transition quietly into his new life without facing harassment or alienation
With regard to the arson attack on his property, three men had claimed trial at the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court on July 7 to charges of torching three cars belonging to his wife.
Tow truck driver A. Kumaran, security guard S. Kisshen and lorry driver P. Surendran were charged under Section 435 of the Penal Code with committing mischief by fire by setting M Sri Uma Maheswary’s three vehicles ablaze.
The damage to the cars, incurred at Taman Kinrara, Puchong, on March 10, caused her to suffer RM80,000 in losses.
If convicted, each of the accused faces up to 14 years’ imprisonment and a fine. – Sept 6, 2026
