KUALA LUMPUR, Apr 22: Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Prof P Ramasamy admonished that Hinduism cannot be undermined by the likes of Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Asri Zainal Abidin nor controversial preacher Dr Zakir Naik.
“It is quite sad to know that the Mufti of Perlis, Mohd Asri Zainal Abidin, known for his progressive views on Islam, has stooped so low to undermine Hinduism by characterising it as a religion that “worships” cows, imposes Sati requirements on women to jump into the funeral pyre of their husbands and maintains its nefarious caste system.
“I am not sure who “educated” him on Hinduism, but there are some indications that he could have gathered all the negatives about the religion from his “Mahaguru” Zakir Naik.
“Just because some Indian groups opposed (Zakir) Naik for indulging in hate mongering, Mohd Asri decided to attack Hinduism and its practices,” said the DAP Deputy Secretary General in a statement.
Ramasamy said that what Asri has said about Hinduism and its practices are not only far fetched, but not even remotely related to Hinduism.
“In other words, he sought to engage in a mindless “essentialism” by reducing the majestic religion to few elements.
“It is “good” that we have the likes of Mohd Asri and Zakir Naik for strengthening the resolve of Hindus in the country to protect their religion at whatever costs.
“Hinduism is not a mere religion but a way of life that has withstood foreign invasions, colonialism, conversion and myriad of other challenges.
“It will be a pipe dream of Zakir Naik or his followers Moh Asri or others to think that they can undermine Hinduism by engaging in hate mongering.
“Hinduism will remain strong and vibrant among its followers,” said Ramasamy.
He said whether the caustic poem written by Asri is considered seditious or not, that ought to be left for the police to investigate.
“A number of reports will be lodged by groups that are opposed to the hate mongering by Mohd Asri.
“It is expected the police to act fast on this matter, but whether the police will be driven to do this remains to be seen.
“The police should not set political priorities in their investigation,” said Ramasamy.
Ramasamy was referring to a poem condemning the Indian community, that was posted by Asri on his Facebook page, where the latter was defended and criticized for his actions.
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