GHRF vs Mapim over RSS
The Global Human Rights Federation (GHRF) is at loggerheads with the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisation (Mapim) over Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Hindutva.
RSS is an India based right wing, Hindu nationalist volunteer body. Hindutva is a term coined by the West to describe the extremism by right wing India.
GHRF president S Shashi Kumar questioned the logic for Mapim to raise the alarm.
“There is no official ban on RSS in Malaysia. The organization is not listed as a terror group by Malaysia, the UN, or any major international body. No evidence has been presented to support the idea that RSS or any related entities are infiltrating Malaysian society.
“Yet, we are seeing calls for deregistration, government crackdowns, and community surveillance. This sets a worrying precedent, especially when these accusations are directed toward a minority group already dealing with discrimination,” he said in a statement.
“This narrative—built on vague fears rather than facts—has the potential to divide us at home and damage diplomacy abroad,” he added.
On May 14, Mapim called for the banning of activities, organisations and fundings linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and ‘Hindutva ideology’.
Its president Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid gave three reasons to justify the call for the ban:-
RSS is the ideological mother of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party that has promoted fascist, violent, and supremacist doctrines that marginalize Muslims, Christians, Dalits and other minorities in India.
The group have incited pogroms, lynching and systemic oppression in Kashmir, Assam and other Indian states.
Malaysia must never become a platform for exporting foreign extremist ideologies.
As such, Mapim called on the Home Ministry to probe and expose all RSS linked entities and funding routes operating in Malaysia.
Mapim also urged the Registrar of Societies to deregister and prohibit groups found to be promoting Hindutva propaganda.
In addition to that it called on politicians across the divide to take a firm stance against religious extremism.
The GHRF chief pointed out that Mapim’s move jeopardises Malaysia – India ties.
“If our own government sees value in working with India’s leadership, why are we turning around and accusing Malaysian citizens of extremism for expressing cultural or political solidarity with India?
“India is also a key partner in trade, education, and security. Stirring ideological controversy risks sabotaging years of trust and collaboration.”
Shashi explained that the support given by Malaysian Indians, especially Hindus to India in the wake of Operation Sindoor is one that is similar to the support given by Malaysian Muslims to the Palestinian cause.
“This double standard is dangerous. We can’t condemn one group for doing exactly what we allow another to do,” he said.
He also took Perlis Mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin to task for terming India as fascist and questioning the loyalty of Malaysian Indians.
“Remarks like these are reckless, inflammatory, and unnecessary.
“When religious leaders speak, they influence millions. That platform should be used to build harmony—not breed suspicion.
On the whole GHRF views the recent developments as one that breeds Hinduphobia.
What’s unfolding here isn’t just ideological tension—it looks a lot like Hinduphobia. Painting Hindu-linked groups or sentiments as dangerous creates fear and alienation among Malaysian Indians.
“And it adds to a long history of minorities being unfairly targeted during political or ideological flare-ups.
“We must recognize that Malaysian Indians are loyal citizens.
“They should never feel unsafe or suspected simply for being who they are.”
He also told off Mapim and other related groups to stop fear mongering.