By 
Nabil Ruhaizat
Spencer Wing, September 6, 2017
Recent events in Malaysia have pushed the Hindu community’s frustrations back into the spotlight, echoing the same unresolved struggles that once ignited the 2007 HINDRAF movement.
Malaysia is a country that prides itself on its inclusivity and forward-thinkingness. However, despite its efforts to uphold these standards they have set upon themselves, Malaysia’s Unity Government continues to find itself under increased pressure to uphold commitments made regarding religious harmony. This comes in response to different incidents involving the Hindu community that have exposed the Malaysian government’s ineffectiveness in its approach to managing religious sensitivities.
On the 4th of March, three Muslim radio hosts were seen in a viral video allegedly mocking the Hindu Kavadi ritual. This incident prompted 73 police reports and an RM 250,000 fine for the radio show’s parent company. A day later, independent preacher Zamri Vinoth – a prominent figure in the Indian-Muslim community – compared Hindu religious chants to being intoxicated, prompting 894 different police reports. Despite Zamri’s inflammatory rhetoric towards non-Muslims, he maintains his innocence and is still awaiting legal review.
Befittingly, Malaysian civil society groups have responded with growing concerns. Activist Arun Dorasamy and the Global Human Rights Federation held a press conference, denouncing the authorities’ inaction and criticising judicial double standards in cases involving minority groups. Under national security laws, political figures like Tapah MP M. Saravanan and Jelutong MP RSN Rayer have called for Zamri’s arrest. In addition, even a scheduled public debate between Saravanan and Zamri was ultimately cancelled following advice from the National Unity Ministry.
The beginning of the 2007 Hindraf movement resembles what is currently happening in Malaysia today. The movement mobilised tens of thousands to the streets of Malaysia to address the continued marginalisation of Indian Malaysians. Arun referred to the possibility of a “Hindraf 2.0” as frustrations grow over the perpetuation of unequal treatment of Hindus under the law. For instance, this can be illustrated by the fact that recently, a 132-year-old Hindu temple was relocated to pave the way for a new mosque. The relocation of this temple symbolises the state’s disregard for Hindu rights, fuelling anger over ongoing religious inequality.
The current Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, has denied the existence of a double standard. However, he has yet to make a public statement supporting the Hindu community. In the same light, leaders from two major Malaysian parties, Perikatan Nasional and UMNO, have equally remained silent. Only one government representative, Amanah youth leader Hafiz Roslan, has called for moderation while defending Zamri’s motives. The call for equal treatment is nothing new. It’s an old wound—one that never healed—and the government’s silence risks reopening it in ways that could once again spill onto the streets.
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