Pusat Komas expresses its disappointment over the recent actions of Era FM DJs, whose insensitive mimicry of sacred customs related to the Hindu festival Thaipusam has caused distress among the people.
This incident underscores the urgent need for greater cultural and religious sensitivity in our diverse society.
While we acknowledge the public apology issued by Azad Jasmin, Nabil Ahmad and Radin Amir Affendy, this is not an isolated incident. Time and time again, we have witnessed public figures, media personalities, politicians and individuals engaging in actions that ridicule, belittle and weaponise the customs of various communities.
The responsibility also heavily falls upon Era FM to be aware of and moderate insensitive content such as this from being released to the public domain.
Consequently, these actions empower persons like Zamri Vinoth and other netizens to perpetuate even more hateful rhetoric, fanning the flames of hatred further.
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Such behaviour not only disrespects the fundamental rights afforded to us in our Federal Constitution but also threatens to deepen divisions in our society.
Pusat Komas notes that the authorities have initiated investigations under Section 298 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
While legal action may serve as a deterrent, it does not address the root cause of such incidents.
The lack of systemic efforts to foster genuine understanding between communities and the selective application of laws in response to public outrage does little to prevent future occurrences or promote meaningful change.
This incident further highlights the urgent need for a national harmony commission – an independent body dedicated to addressing racial and religious tensions, fostering understanding and promoting long-term social cohesion.
Such a commission would provide consistent and meaningful solutions in addressing inter-community conflicts, while acting as an advisory body to the government to ensure that educational and restorative measures are prioritised over punitive responses.
Pusat Komas strongly urges the government to seriously consider establishing this commission as part of a broader national agenda to enhance social cohesion in efforts to break these cycles of division.
We call on all media practitioners and public figures to be mindful of their influence and to commit to upholding the principles of respect, inclusivity and unity in all forms of communication. – Komas
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
