PHEB will stand against anti-Hindu activities in the state

A Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) member has given his assurance that the body would not shy away from putting a full stop to anti-Hindu activities conducted in the state by Dravidian groups.

“As a PHEB commissioner, I would be opposite of them. I don’t see them doing anything (negative) in Penang although there was calls to end Saraswathi pooja,” said Kumaran Krishnan who is also Bagan Dalam assemblyman

“PHEB will make a clear stand along with the NGOs if such issues crop up.

“Hindu Sangam would be leading it. PHEB will issue a stern statement if that issue crops up,” he told Harapan Daily in response to calls for an end to Saraswathi pooja in Tamil schools that was went viral on social media last month.

He is however supportive of their activities that are beneficial for the society.

“There is an NGO just opposite here. I don’t say no to them as long as it (their activities) is beneficial such as in the field of education. I can support them,” he said in reference to a Dravidian association

“I wouldn’t say I agree 100% with their principle. It is their principle. I believe in fairness and I follow the Hindu faith. No issues working with them here as long as they do good for society.”

Anti – Hindu content on TikTok

He also shared his views in regards to the rise of anti – Hindu content on TikTok.

“TikTok has got a lot to improve on. That is why Malaysia is working on regulations. If not, this gets worse.

“TikTok’s own regulations are not strict enough. We can control only with strict regulations.”

All social media platforms would be required to be registered by the end of this year. In addition to that the government is also planning to amend the law to enable the police to gain more information from the platforms to curb fake accounts that are used widely.

Kumaran also lamented the fact that there were not enough Hindus standing up for Hinduism.

On that note, he is also open to the notion of pooling experts on Hinduism on various fronts to confront the constant anti-Hindu, degrading messaging that is going on social media, especially on TikTok.

“I am not saying it is not possible. It is something we have to explore. I will bring it up in the meeting and see what we can do.

“We are currently conducting Hinduism classes and we sent one of our commissioners who is a priest. He is the representative from Hindu Sangam.”

Kumaran also shared his views regarding Jelutong MP RSN Rayer who is PHEB chief commissioner.

“He is doing good even though this is the first time a MP heading it. He makes consent decision after consulting all parties.

“Rayer is a very religious man. He gives priority to Hinduism and education,” he said.

PHEB is a body that was formed under the Penang state government.

It was previously led by former deputy chief minister II P Ramasamy.

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