MIC wants apology from PAS MP over remark 

T. Mohan

PETALING JAYA: MIC leaders have demanded that Kubang Kerian MP Salahuddin Ayub apologise for saying that Thaipusam was akin to a street demonstration. MIC Youth chief T. Mohan said Hindus were angry with Salahuddin.

“This clearly shows his shallow mentality in understanding cultural practices of other religions in the country.

“We want him to apologise for hurting the feelings of Hindus,” he said.

Salahuddin, the PAS vice-president, was reported to have made his remarks in Tuesday night’s debate with Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah on “Street demonstrations: Does it build or destroy democracy?”

Salahuddin is also alleged to have said that Hindus carrying kavadi are semi-conscious and yet they do not need tear gas to keep the situation calm.

Mohan said 10 police reports have been lodged against Salahuddin.

He expressed disappointment that Indian leaders in Pakatan Rakyat have yet to make a statement on Salahuddin’s stand.

“They (the Indian leaders) are scared to issue any statement against Pakatan leaders as they are worried about their position,” he said.

Hulu Selangor MP P. Kamalanathan said equating a religious event to a street demonstration was both insulting and hurtful to Hindus.