THERE will be a backlash from the Indians in Shah Alam after Barisan Nasional fielded Azhari Shaari, who had trampled on the head of a cow during a protest against a Hindu temple a decade ago, said Malaysia Hindu Sangam

The president of the country’s top Hindu rights group R.S. Mohan Shan said the ruling coalition did not care about the religious sentiments of other races in the constituency.

“The will definitely be a backlash. This is not a small issue. They protested against a Hindu temple.

“On top of that, they kicked a cow’s head. The cow is real sacred to us and people will not forget that,” Mohan told Malaysia Decides. 

Following a public outcry, Azhari and 11 others were charged and fined RM1,000 by the Shah Alam Sessions Court.

The picture of Azhari on the sidelines of the protest has gone viral among Hindus with many wondering why anyone would vote for someone so intolerant.

Mohan said it was insulting that BN keeps placing candidates in Shah Alam who have repeatedly insulted Hindus like Zulkifli Noordin in 2013, who allegedly insulted Hindu gods.

“How was this guy (Azhari) selected for the seat? They (BN) always chose a problematic candidate in Shah Alam. They don’t care about the sentiments of others. This will be a big back lash,” Mohan said.

Selangor Umno Youth has dismissed as “irrelevant” the allegations saying there were “more important issues” facing the Hindus in the state, such as their welfare.

The picture of the group of men kicking a cow’s head was taken during a protest in front of the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah building in Shah Alam 10 years ago.

They had demanded that a Hindu temple be moved to another area in Shah Alam. Two men were also charged with sedition and fined another RM3,000.

Incumbent Khalid Samad, who won the seat in 2013 as a PAS candidate, will be defending the seat as an Amanah candidate. The Shah Alam constituency is made up of 107,316 voters, out of whom 13% are Indians. – May 1, 2018.