KUALA LUMPUR – Controversy over a Moroccan influencer’s video shows that preaching of a religion should not be carried out at the cost of belittling and disrespecting other faiths, according to a Batu Caves temple committee member.
Speaking to Scoop, Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Dhevasthanam secretary C. Sethu Pathy was referring to social media figure Abdellatif Ouisa’s TikTok video of him reciting Quranic verses on Islam’s prohibition against idolatry while standing in front of the Lord Muruga statue in Batu Caves.
“Religious education shouldn’t be conducted at the expense of other faiths,” Sethu Pathy said when contacted.
“While everyone can practise their religion freely, as stipulated in our Federal Constitution, the actions in this video are considered offensive.”
Noting that the temple committee had lodged a police report on the video after analysing the interpretation of verses cited by Abdellatif, Sethu Pathy said the incident was an example of how some devotees could be mistaken despite “noble scriptures”.
“I have attended many interfaith dialogues locally and internationally, (including) the International Conference of Religious Leaders organised by the Islamic Development Department and officiated by our prime minister.
“(During the conference), it is always emphasised that no religious scriptures have ever encouraged belittling other religions,” he added.
He also urged the public not to “get carried away” with the incident, asserting that Malaysians had come far enough in terms of understanding other religions and beliefs.
Earlier today, Malaysia Hindu Sangam president T. Ganesan told Scoop the organisation had submitted a “condemnation notice” against Abdellatif to the Unity Ministry, imploring the government to take action against the tourist as a deterrent to others.
Responding to the outcry against his video, Abdellatif uploaded an apology video on TikTok, claiming he was unaware Lord Muruga is considered a god by Hindus while bemoaning the influx of hateful messages he had received on social media.
He added that it was not his intention to “hurt” anyone with his recitation of the Quran.
Previously, online Dutch publication Alien Mag published an article accusing Abdellatif – who has a significant presence on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok – of sexually targeting recently converted or underage Muslim women.
Sentul police chief Ahmad Sukarno Mohd Zahari has since confirmed to Scoop that Bukit Aman’s classified crime investigation unit will be taking over investigations into the influencer’s actions, which had touched on 3R (race, religion and royalty) sensitivities. – May 25, 2024
