Ridhuan Tee Abdullah wants the person responsible for the controversial Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) slides on Hinduism and Sikhism to be given a chance to defend his or herself.

"It's true that the UTM slides are flawed but give the person a chance to defend their argument (on the contents).

"If the person fails (to provide an explanation), then the person should apologise. Don't attack him or her so emotionally,” he told Ismaweb.

The controversial academician was also disappointed with Deputy Education Minister P Kamalanathan for becoming emotional over the matter.

He also lamented that UTM had bowed to pressure and in a cowardly manner issued a statement in English that the matter is being investigated.

According to him, it is unfortunate that when one does not argue based on knowledge but rather act due to the fear of losing their jobs.

After the issue went viral on social media, UTM said it would correct its Tamadun Islam and Tamadun Asia (Titas) modules which stated that Islam taught Hindus manners and cleanliness, as some of them believed dirt on the body is part of a ritual to attain nirvana.

Another UTM Titas slide circulated online also said the founder of Sikhism borrowed elements from Islam, but had poor understanding of the religion.

Several police reports were lodged on this matter, with MIC central working committee member S Vell Paari calling for an investigation under the Sedition Act.

Send slides to an expert for verification

Meanwhile, Ridhuan said he hoped the police would not be pressured to act in a swift manner.

"I suggest that the contents (in the slides) be brought to an expert so that it can be determined whether this can be accepted as a form of knowledge or not.

"The influence of Islam is undeniable in the Sikh religion. Similarly, the arrival of Islam in India had brought justice. No more caste. Also (no more) women who set themselves on fire upon the death of their husbands," he added.

Ridhuan said he also taught Titas but did not use those slides.

Chiding those who lashed out when the matter of the slides arose, he said when Islam was insulted, it was not considered a big deal.

However, he said just because of some erroneous slides, there is such pressure for the lecturer involved to resign.

"In the academic world, if whatever is written has justification, then there should be no problem. Don't be too quick to react.

"Before this, when Act 355 (Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965) and Islam were clearly insulted, why were we silent and did not make any police reports?

"That's why I said, when we're insulted, it's fine, but when they are insulted, it's to the point where they ask for someone to be fired.

"Who are these people? Pribumi (indigenous) or pendatang (immigrant)?" he added.