‘Let us be forgiving and fair’

IPOH: The proposed suspension of Era FM radio station will affect the livelihood of the entire staff, says Datuk Seri M. Saravanan (pic).

The MIC deputy president said the suggestion by the Malaysian Multimedia and Communications Commission (MCMC) appears harsh as everyone else who works there would suffer because of the mistake committed by a few.

Saravanan, who is also Tapah MP, said the wrongdoing was committed by three deejays, and not the entire radio station staff.

“The radio station has issued a public apology and taken action against those concerned.

“We are worried that by suspending the entire radio station, it would involve the livelihood of many.

“This will be unfair to other staff. They will suffer because of the three employees,” he said in a statement yesterday.

On March 5, MCMC said a notice of intent to suspend Era FM’s licence has been issued to the station’s licence holder, and they have been given 30 days to submit a response before any decision is made.

The three Era FM DJs are involved in a recent viral video in which they are seen to be mocking a Hindu ceremony.

“In the holy month of Ramadan, let us embrace unity, forgiveness and fairness in addressing this issue.

“The DJs have made a serious mistake in the name of content creation, but they are now facing the repercussions, and we should allow the legal process to take its course,” said Saravanan.

He said the government should act swiftly against those who smear religion on social media, without fear or favour, as this trend has the potential of destroying the nation’s peace and harmony.

Saravanan said it is important for the police and MCMC to act against this sort of religious bigots and make an example of them so that Malaysians will know that playing with religious issues is akin to playing with fire.

“People like Zamri Vinoth have a long track record of making inflammatory remarks that sow discord among Malaysians, and at the same time, action must also be taken against individuals like Vijayan Savarinathan, who have insulted and criticised  Islam.

“Just as we condemn those who mock Hinduism, we must also be firm against those who disrespect any other religion.

“What we need is consistency in action. There cannot be selective enforcement when it comes to matters of racial and religious sensitivity,” he said, adding that the government must apply the law fairly.

Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the investigation on the controversial video involving three Era FM DJs has been completed.

He said the investigation paper was sent to the Attorney General’s Chambers yesterday.

“So far, 73 police reports have been lodged in connection with the controversial video,” he said when contacted.

The IGP reminded the public not to issue any statement on social media that can cause disharmony and tension between the people of different religions and races.

“We will take stern action against those who incite racial tension and disharmony,” he said.