Saravanan calls off debate with Zamri Vinoth, Rayer urges more police reports

PETALING JAYA: MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan says he has decided not to go on with the debate with independent preacher Zamri Vinoth.

The Tapah MP said he had made his decision in the interests of national harmony.

“I have discussed it and I have decided not to continue with the debate in the interest of national harmony,” he said at a press conference Tuesday (March 11).

On Monday (March 10), National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang had said that debates on religion must be stopped if they only seek to create differences without efforts to build unity.

He also said that he wanted any potential debates on religion to be called off.

“I hope any debates, especially involving religion, do not proceed. Debates or discussions that are focused on religious differences have the potential to fuel tensions and worsen relations among Malaysia’s diverse community,” he said.

Meanwhile, Jelutong MP RSN Rayer urged the people to continue lodging police reports against Zamri.

“I urge the Atrorney General and the police to act immediately against Zamri to show there is no selective prosecution,” Rayer told online portal Malaysiakini on Tuesday.

The independent preacher had earlier courted controversy after he likened kavadi bearers as being possessed and intoxicated during the Thaipusam festival.

“Zamri continues to insult, belittle and ridicule Thaipusam.

He remains unrepentant and continues to violate the laws of this country by re-posting his Facebook post that caused concern and anger among Malaysians,” added Rayer.