PM Anwar Ibrahim’s intervention sought to stop the International Youth Rationalism Forum

The Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) has called for an intervention from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to stop the International Youth Rationalism Forum 2024.

“We are pleading to the government and the Home Minister to cancel the forum. We will not allow such events to be held in Penang,” said PHEB chairman RSN Rayer

He said this in a joint press conference held with representatives from Malaysia Hindu Sangam and Malaysia Hindu Dharma Mamandram and several temple priests in Penang.

“We urge the Prime Minister to intervene and the Home Minister (Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail) to cancel the permits if issued. I am told no permit has been issued.”

Rayer had called for the forum to be cancelled yesterday.

The International Youth Rationalism Forum 2024 is scheduled to be held tomorrow at the Kuala Lumpur Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall.

Similar to the one organised last year, it promotes atheism and displays Hinduphobia.

Malaysia Hindu Sangam representative and PHEB member Dhinesh Varman meanwhile took those who Dravidianism and Periyar’s teachings by the horn.

He pointed the propagation done by them is totally irrelevant to Malaysians.

“They claim Indian women have no freedom and are further curtailed by Hinduism. Such teachings are not necessary for Malaysia.

“Malaysian women have freedom and liberty in the field of education and careers. Hindu women here are not left behind.

“Their teachings may be suitable in Tamil Nadu, not here.”

Illustrating it further, he pointed out that the majority who receives PHEB education funds are female.

In a related development, Perak Exco for human resources, health, Indian affairs and national integration A Sivanesan gave his assurance that Perak would be opposing such events.

“Perak government is also against this forum. I will be writing to the home minister about this. Police report should also be done all over the country.

“Penang can lead and Perak will give full support,” he said on Senator A Lingeshwaran’s Facebook.

Lingeshwaran is also a PHEB member.