THE Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB), along with various Indian non-governmental organisations (NGOs), has strongly opposed the upcoming International Youth Rationalism Forum 2.0.
The forum is scheduled to take place tomorrow (Dec 21) at the Kuala Lumpur Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall.
PHEB chairman RSN Rayer expressed concern that the event promotes Periyarism, an ideology that advocates Dravidianism and atheism, which he claims contradicts the principles of Malaysia’s Rukun Negara, particularly the core values of ‘Belief in God.’
“We appeal to the Home Ministry to cancel the forum. I have also reached out to Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail via WhatsApp to address the issue.
“We unanimously oppose this forum and hope that the Prime Minister will intervene in this matter,” Rayer said during a press conference at PHEB office in Macalister Road today.
Rayer also reaffirmed that the PHEB will not allow such a forum to be held in Penang either.
Periyar also known as ‘Thantai Periyar,’ was an famous Indian social activist and politician in Tamil Nadu, India.
PHEB commissioner Dinesh Nagan, who is also a temple priest, said that if the organisers aim to impart rationalism and valuable knowledge to the youth, they should highlight other prominent figures, such as Mahakavi Bharati, a poet who advocated for social and religious reforms, and other Indian philosophers.
“In Malaysia, we do not need the ideologies of Periyar as they may be relevant in Tamil Nadu, India, but not here.
“Introducing such ideas could divert our youths from their beliefs rooted in religion and culture,” Dinesh added.
A. Tharman, the chairman of the Penang Hindu Sangam (MHS Penang), shared that the forum could negatively influence the younger generation.
He urged the Federal government to ban the event, emphasising its contradiction to the Rukun Negara’s core principle of ‘Belief in God’.
Representatives from several temples were present to show their solidarity in opposing the forum.
Also present were PHEB vice-chairman Senator RA Dr Lingeshwaran, PHEB commissioner Datuk J. Dhinagaran, who is also the MIC chairman, and Penang Malaysia Hindudharma Maamandram deputy chairman A.Krishnan.
Story & Pix by Tanushalini Moroter