Controversial Facebook Post on Kavadi Ritual Sparks Outrage, MCMC to Take Action
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is investigating a controversial Facebook post by independent preacher Zamri Vinoth, which has sparked widespread outrage and calls for action from authorities and civil society groups.
Background to the Controversy
Zamri Vinoth’s Facebook post questioned why Hindu worshippers performing the kavadi ritual, which involves carrying a wooden structure weighing up to 30kg, were not considered to be insulting. The post sparked a heated debate and was removed from his Facebook account by the platform, which deemed it to be in violation of its community guidelines.
Government Response
Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil has instructed MCMC to look into the matter, with the regulator to take action once it completes its investigation. "MCMC has yet to inform me of the actions it will be taking," he said, adding that social media platforms remove content if they agree that it violates the law or the platform’s community guidelines. In this case, Facebook viewed the content as violating the law.
Reactions from Political Leaders
The controversy has also drawn reactions from political leaders, with DAP’s RSN Rayer accusing Zamri of being unrepentant and continuing to incite, instigate, and stoke racial and religious tension in Malaysia. MIC deputy president M Saravanan has urged the authorities to arrest Zamri under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012, and has raised the matter with the prime minister and home minister. Urimai chairman P Ramasamy has also called for police action against Zamri.
Legal Framework
The controversy is also relevant to the legal framework governing online content in Malaysia. The Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA) prohibits the improper use of network facilities, and MCMC has the power to regulate and remove content that violates these provisions. Facebook’s decision to remove Zamri’s post was made subject to its assessment of the justifications provided and its community guidelines.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Zamri Vinoth’s Facebook post highlights the complex and often contentious issues surrounding religious freedom and online content in Malaysia. As the government and civil society grapple with these challenges, it is essential to strike a balance between upholding the rights of individuals to express their beliefs and preventing the incitement of hatred and violence.
FAQs
- What is the Kavadi ritual?
The Kavadi ritual is a Hindu practice that involves carrying a wooden structure weighing up to 30kg as a form of devotion and penance. - What was Zamri Vinoth’s Facebook post about?
Zamri Vinoth’s post questioned why Hindu worshippers performing the Kavadi ritual were not considered to be insulting. - What was the response of the government and MCMC?
Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil instructed MCMC to investigate the matter, and MCMC requested Facebook’s owner, Meta, to remove the post as it was found to contain elements of an offence under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. - What were the reactions from political leaders?
DAP’s RSN Rayer accused Zamri of being unrepentant and continuing to incite, instigate, and stoke racial and religious tension in Malaysia, while MIC deputy president M Saravanan urged the authorities to arrest Zamri under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.