I am outraged and deeply disturbed by the recent incident involving DJs from ERA FM who mocked the sacred Thaipusam festival, a religious event of immense significance to the Hindu community, particularly among Tamils in Malaysia.
This is not an isolated occurrence; such acts of disrespect have become far too frequent, exposing a dangerous erosion of cultural sensitivity and mutual respect in our society.
Thaipusam is a time of devotion, penance, and spiritual reflection, where devotees honor Lord Murugan through rituals like carrying kavadis and offering milk pots.
To ridicule this sacred tradition is not only profoundly disrespectful but also a direct attack on the cultural and religious diversity of our nation.
This incident is not a one-off.
It is part of a disturbing pattern of mockery and insensitivity toward religious and cultural practices in Malaysia.
Time and again, we see such behavior, and it is utterly unacceptable that it continues to repeat with little consequence.
The Hindu community, like every community in our nation, deserves to have its traditions respected, not belittled.
The frequency of these incidents points to a glaring failure of accountability and a lack of enforcement of the values that should unite us as a multicultural society.
Enough is enough.
I demand that the government take immediate and decisive action to address this issue.
ERA FM and the DJs responsible must face real consequences.
A simple apology does not suffice when such disrespect has become a recurring problem.
I call on the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to launch a thorough investigation and impose strict penalties on both the individuals and the station involved.
Beyond this incident, the government must enact stricter regulations and harsher penalties for any media content that mocks religious or cultural practices.
The government cannot continue to sit idly by while such incidents undermine our social harmony.
Strict action is long overdue.
I stand with the Hindu community and all those hurt by this latest insult.
I will not rest until the government takes meaningful steps to stop this cycle of disrespect.
This must be a turning point.
A moment where we reaffirm our commitment to unity, respect, and accountability.
The government must act now, with the urgency and firmness this situation demands, to restore trust and ensure Malaysia remains a nation where every culture and religion is honored.
Anything less is a betrayal of our shared values.
Thulsi Manogaran
Buntong Assemblyperson
