MALAYSIA Hindu Sangam is demanding an apology from Barisan Nasional MP Tajuddin Abdul Rahman for insulting their faith in the Dewan Rakyat today.

President R.S. Mohan Shan told The Malaysian Insight Tajuddin must apologise to all Hindus in the country for his remarks when he commented on the holy ash on the forehead of Jelutong MP RSN Rayer.

Tajuddin sparked an uproar when he questioned Rayer if the ash on his forehead (vibhuthi) were ashes from former Communist Party of Malaysia leader Chin Peng.

Vibhuti is the sacred ash made of burnt dried wood in Āgamic rituals.

Hindu devotees apply it traditionally as three horizontal lines across the forehead.

“This is a devotional thing and he should not have made that remark.

“This shows that he (Tajuddin) has no respect for the Hindus.”

Earlier in the chamber, Khoo Poay Ting (PH-Kota Melaka) also joined in the shouting match between Rayer and Tajuddin that ended with speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusoff expelling Tajuddin and Khoo after both refused to adhere to instructions and pipe down.

Mohan said Tajuddin should have knowledge of other religions and understand the sensitivity of the matter.

“If we had said anything about Islam, do you think they will keep quiet?”

Mohan also urged all MPs to be more sensitive to all races and their religious beliefs.

“He (Tajuddin) is a senior MP and this shows that he is not educated.

“If he doesn’t apologise, then his suspension should continue.

“This will ensure that this matter will is not repeated again by anyone.”

Chin Peng’s ashes were brought back in September and scattered in Perak.

That turned into an issue with opposition MPs blaming the Pakatan Harapan government for allowing the ashes to be brought into the country.

They said the sensitivities of Malaysians were not taken into account as Chin Peng and his guerrilla force had killed hundreds of security personnel during the communist insurgency. – December 3, 2019.