Trio says sorry: (From left) Radin Amir, Azad and Nabil apologised in a video uploaded on ERA FM’s social media accounts.
Reminder from PM comes after radio station’s viral video
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reminded all parties to avoid statements or actions related to 3R (race, religion and royalty), stating that it will only disrupt national harmony and must never be repeated.
His senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah said the Prime Minister reminds all parties to avoid 3R polemic in any form.
Instead, Anwar wants all Malaysians to prioritise respect in the community.
“The Prime Minister also stresses the importance for the public to uphold and embody the principles of the Rukun Negara to protect harmony as well as to reject any action that can disrupt national unity,” he said.
The Prime Minister’s reminder comes after a video of several Era FM DJs mimicking the Hindu kavadi dance while chanting “Vel Vel” was shared on the station’s social media platform yesterday.
The video received severe backlash online, with many condemning it as offensive to the Hindu community.
The video has since been removed and the three radio hosts have been suspended from going on air pending an internal investigation.
ERA FM has since publicly apologised for the matter in a separate video uploaded on its social media accounts, featuring its DJs Nabil Ahmad, Azad Jasmin and Radin Amir Affendi Ahmad Aruani.
“We never intended to offend anyone and we deeply respect the beliefs and values of every individual. We will be more careful in the future.
“We sincerely apologise for the unintentional mistake we have made. Please forgive us.” they said in the apology video uploaded yesterday.
Meanwhile, Communication Minister Fahmi Fadzil said an immediate investigation will be launched into ERA FM following the incident.Fahmi said he had received complaints from various parties regarding the matter and had directed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to investigate the issue.
“This will include summoning Astro and the radio station’s management to the MCMC headquarters to provide a full explanation.
“This is to ensure that appropriate action can be taken based on existing regulations and laws,” he said in a statement yesterday.
MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan was among those who criticised the video, calling it a “brainless and disgraceful” act by the ERA FM staff.
“This is not just stupidity, it is a blatant insult to the faith and traditions of Hindus in Malaysia. Such a disgusting display of ignorance and disrespect has no place in our society.
“As a media organisation, ERA FM should have known better than to allow this kind of offensive nonsense as their staff have proven themselves to be utterly unfit to work in the media industry.
“Malaysia is built on the principles of mutual respect and harmony among different races and religions, but when a major media outlet allows such an insensitive and offensive act, it can create division and damage the very fabric of our multicultural society,” Saravanan said in a Facebook post.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang also weighed in, saying the video violated the principles of the Rukun Negara.
“Any act that offends the feelings of other religions should not be tolerated in our multi-racial society.
“I remind all parties to refrain from inciting tension or hatred between religious adherents. Any action that threatens national unity and harmony must be taken seriously,” he said.
