LETTER | The Global Human Rights Federation (GHRF) has urged all marginalised minorities, including non-Muslims and the Orang Asli community, to take a stand against systemic discrimination and the government's failure to address inflammatory remarks made by Islamic preachers.

Despite numerous police reports filed against them, individuals who had openly insulted various faiths were ultimately cleared with a “No Further Action” (NFA) status by both the police and the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC).

GHRF had exhausted all diplomatic avenues and means to address the issue, having already handed over a memorandum to the relevant ministries including the palace and taken the matter to court in pursuit of justice.

GHRF president S Shashi Kumar vehemently condemned hate speech and religious defamation, demanding that such acts be met with zero tolerance.

He questioned the authorities, the National Unity Ministry and the Islamic Development Department on their inaction and highlighted their double standards in addressing these critical issues.

Neglect

Concerns were also raised about the ongoing neglect of the Orang Asli community, as highlighted by a representative from Parti Asli.

Reports of discrimination and injustices faced by this indigenous population have been routinely dismissed, with authorities ignoring complaints and police reports filed by Orang Asli activists. The lack of enforcement and accountability has rendered the community vulnerable to exploitation and systemic marginalisation, as emphasised by Parti Asli.

This call to action comes in response to increasing concerns regarding the authorities' inaction in the case of preacher Zamri Vinoth, who faces nearly 900 police reports for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Hindus.

Most recently, he ignited outrage with disrespectful comments about the Hindu kavadi ritual in a Facebook post.

Urimai deputy chairperson David Marshel urged the Indian community to protest and campaign against the government, since the Ayer Kuning by-election is approaching, followed by Johor and Malacca and what we have control over now, is our vote.

Malaysians of all backgrounds are urged to elect leaders who are committed to justice and accountability.

Lawyer Siti Kasim said one must exercise their power at the ballot box, urging voters to not be deceived by politicians who offer empty promises but fail to take real action.

Malaysian Indian People Party national information chief Suthan Mookaiah called for an end to divisive rhetoric and urged people to foster harmony.

Shashi stressed that one cannot permit the ongoing insults to faith and identity to go unchallenged.

“Since the government continues to be indifferent, we must firmly assert our rights through powerful protests and strategic voting.”

Signed by:

Urimai deputy chairperson David Marshel

Naraeshpillai S Ravindran from United Malaysian Hindu Voice

Malaysia Tionghua Education Association vice-chairperson Chow Siew Hon

Yusoff from Parti Asli

Lawyer-activist Siti Kasim

Arun Doraisamy from Agamam Ani

Suthan Mookaiah from Malaysian Indian People Party

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.