Protest if govt fails to
address hate speech by
preachers, Indian
community told
Urimai’s David Marshel says they must take to the streets and campaign against the government if authorities fail to act against hate speech by Islamic preachers.
He said if Indian leaders in the government failed to act, whether by threatening to withdraw support or demanding firm action, he would mobilise the community against the administration.
“If they refuse to act, our time has come,” he told a press conference organised by the Global Human Rights Federation (GHRF).
“We will take it to the streets and urge people not to vote for the current government. The Ayer Kuning by-election is approaching, followed by Johor and Melaka and what we have control over now is our vote.”
Marshel said Indians had nothing to lose from standing up for their rights and taking action against injustice.
“We (Indians) are hardworking workers, we are not businessmen who are afraid of certain parties and the government,” he said.
Marshel was commenting on rising concerns over inflammatory remarks by Islamic preachers and the government’s alleged failure to act against them.
Last week, police said they were awaiting further instructions from the Attorney-General’s Chambers after investigating independent preacher Zamri Vinoth, who is the subject of nearly 900 police reports for allegedly insulting Hindus.
Zamri most recently became the centre of controversy after he allegedly made disrespectful remarks about the Hindu kavadi ritual in a Facebook post.
Lawyer-activist Siti Kasim, who was also at the press conference, urged Malaysians of all races and religions to vote for bold leaders who would push for change.
“We have to use our power when it comes to voting, don’t believe politicians who like to sweet talk and sugarcoat things.
“You must choose the right person to represent you in Parliament and even the state assembly, regardless of what party (they represent),” she said.
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