Umno Youth Chief Calls for Fair Enforcement of Laws
PETALING JAYA: Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh has urged the police to provide an update on their investigations into comedian Harith Iskander and social media user Cecilia Yap over their alleged remarks about Islam.
Support for Firm Action against Era FM DJs
Akmal stated his support for firm action against the three Era FM radio hosts who had apparently mocked the Thaipusam kavadi ritual in a video. He emphasized that laws should be applied fairly to all.
Equality in Enforcement of Laws
"I also want to ask the authorities: if these three DJs have been investigated and punished by their employer, what is the status of the cases involving Yap and Harith, who allegedly mocked Prophet Muhammad and Islam?" Akmal said in a Facebook post. "Laws should apply to everyone equally, not selectively based on the influence of certain individuals."
No Exemptions from Accountability
Akmal stressed that no one should be exempt from accountability for making insensitive remarks, regardless of religion, race, or nationality. "The public should not accept the norm of ‘act first, apologise later, and move on’," he added.
Era FM Radio Hosts’ Controversial Video
The Era FM radio hosts, Nabil Ahmad, Azad Jasmin, and Radin Amir Effendi Ahmad Aruani, courted a backlash after mimicking the kavadi ritual in a video, which included footage of them chanting the phrase "Vel Vel" while laughing. The hosts later issued a public apology and acknowledged the insensitivity of their actions.
Consequences of the Controversy
The three DJs were suspended by Astro Audio alongside two other staff members. The company’s CEO and senior management met with Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission officials over the matter. The DJs are also being investigated by Bukit Aman under Section 298 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Conclusion
Akmal’s call for fair enforcement of laws highlights the importance of treating all individuals equally, regardless of their influence or background. It is crucial that the authorities take concrete actions against those who make insensitive remarks, just as they do against those who engage in similar behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current status of the investigations into Harith Iskander and Cecilia Yap?
A: The police have yet to provide an update on the status of the investigations.
Q: What is the punishment for making insensitive remarks about Islam?
A: The Era FM radio hosts are being investigated under Section 298 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Q: What is the role of Umno Youth in this controversy?
A: Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh has called on the police to provide an update on the investigations and has expressed his support for firm action against those who make insensitive remarks.