MALAYSIA should be a beacon of harmony, a nation where people of diverse races, religions and cultures coexist with mutual respect and understanding. This delicate balance, however, is often disrupted by irresponsible individuals who fail to appreciate the significance of this unity.
Their thoughtless actions such as mocking other people’s religion, race and culture, not only disrespect the beliefs and traditions of others but also undermine the trust and goodwill that have been built over generations.
While our diversity should unite us, these actions serve as a harsh reminder of how easily this harmony can be shattered by ignorance and insensitivity.
Yesterday, three local radio announcers crossed that line, provoking outrage and dismay among Malaysians. These announcers, adult men who ought to be mindful of the diversity that defines Malaysia, were suspended after a video of them mocking and dancing to the chant of Vel Vel—a sacred invocation during the Thaipusam festival—surfaced online.
Their actions have rightly sparked outrage among Hindus, who view this act as an insult to their faith and raised concerns about the growing cultural insensitivity in our society.
The chant Vel Vel is deeply spiritual for Hindus, symbolising the divine weapon of Lord Murugan and reflecting devotion, prayer and sacrifice. It is recited with reverence during Thaipusam, a festival commemorating the triumph of good over evil.
For these announcers to turn such a sacred element into a mockery for entertainment is a blatant show of disrespecting religious practice into a thoughtless joke.
This wasn’t just an insult to Hindus—it was a slap in the face to Malaysia's multiracial harmony. Ours is a nation built on the foundation of mutual respect for one another's cultures and beliefs.
When acts like this occur, they undermine decades of effort to foster unity among Malaysians. Such ignorance deepens the divide between communities, eroding the trust and respect that form the bedrock of our national identity.
What makes this incident even more disheartening is that it comes from individuals in the entertainment industry—an industry that has a significant influence on public opinion and societal norms.
These three men, who are presumably well-educated adults with substantial platforms, demonstrated a shocking level of ignorance and insensitivity. Entertainment is a powerful medium that can shape perceptions, but instead of promoting inclusivity and understanding, these announcers chose to degrade and mock.
The industry, too, must share the blame. How did this content pass as acceptable? Are we failing to educate and train public figures to understand the cultural and religious intricacies of Malaysia?
To repair the damage, the entertainment industry must implement serious reforms. Cultural and religious sensitivity training should be mandatory for anyone in the public eye.
Additionally, regulatory bodies must ensure stricter guidelines to prevent such incidents from happening again. These announcers, while suspended, must also reflect on the harm they have caused and take meaningful steps to atone for their actions.
As Malaysians, we cannot let such behaviour go unchecked. Our diversity is our strength, but it is also fragile. It demands care, understanding and respect from every citizen—especially those with public platforms.
This incident is a reminder that unity cannot be taken for granted, and it is up to all of us to ensure that acts of ignorance like this are met with firm consequences and a collective commitment to doing better.
And let’s be clear—no one would stand for their faith being mocked and ridiculed. Respect isn’t optional, and ignorance is no excuse. It’s time we hold each other accountable and demand better.