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“Comparisons between religions should not be based on prejudice or lack of knowledge about other religions.
(Focus Malaysia) – The Malaysian Hindu Samajwadi (MHS) has called on an Islamic preacher to delete a religiously insensitive cartoon post on Facebook.
MHS president Ganesan Thangavellu said such content could harm religious harmony.
“The comic dialogue posters released by Zirwah al-Idrus are said to be aimed at educating Muslim children.
“While we greatly appreciate efforts to impart religious education to children, we must remember that Malaysia is a multi-racial and multi-religious country.
“Hence, any educational materials must fully take into account the beliefs and practices of other religions,” Ganishan told The Malaysian Insight.
The poster was uploaded on Zirwah al-Idrus’ Facebook page two days ago and subsequently went viral on the social media platform.
As of the time of reporting, the post has received more than 3,000 comments and more than 11,000 shares.
The poster depicts a conversation between a Muslim woman and her son who is curious about a Hindu temple.
In the description, the mother calls Hindus Kafirs because they do not worship Allah.
“Instead of praying to God, they worship idols,” she said.
“Who is greater? Man or the statue? Man made the idol. The idol cannot be moved.
“That’s why they are called Kafirs – because they don’t pray to Allah, and no one can pray to anything except Allah.”
Ganesan said the text casts a negative image on the Hindu faith.
“The posters contain insulting and derogatory statements about Hindu beliefs, especially idolatry,” he said.
“Comparisons between religions should not be based on prejudice or lack of knowledge about other religions.
“Religious education should foster respect and humanity, not spread hatred and racism.
“As an organisation representing Hindus in Malaysia, we urge Zirwah al-Idrus to immediately correct or retract the offensive statements.”
Ghanishan said the country’s health ministry would refer the case to the minister in the prime minister’s department for religious affairs, the national unity ministry, the Malaysian Islamic Promotion Foundation and the Malaysian Islamic Development Department.
He added that religious differences should not be an obstacle to unity but the basis for harmony and common prosperity.
“Let us work together to inspire the spirit of humanity and solidarity in our multiracial society during the month of Independence and to recognise and respect each other’s beliefs.”
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