Tee said that if it was a matter of Islam being insulted, it would not have been seen as a big issue.

According to a report by Ismaweb.net, Tee was heavily critical of how certain parties had pressured the lecturer involved to resign.

“Why are we so cowardly? We’re scared to lose our jobs. In the academic world, if what is written is justified, there shouldn’t be any problem. Don’t be too quick to speak,” Tee had said.

“Previously, when Act 355 and Islam were insulted, why did we keep quiet and not lodge any police report?

“That’s why I say that when we (Muslims) are insulted, nothing happens – if it’s them, then there’s calls for people to resign. Who are these people? Pribumi (indigenous) or pendatang (immigrants)?”

Tee made these remarks in reference to the criticism heaped on a UTM lecturer for using slides with erroneous information about Hinduism and Sikhism as part of a teaching module for Islamic and Asian Civilisation.

According to one of the slides, those of the Hindus faith considered dirt on their bodies as part of a religious practice that could help one attain Nirvana.

Another slide, shared on social media, said Sikhism was a hodgepodge of Hindu and Islamic elements, and that its founder did not understand Islam fully.

Following that, MIC president Dr S Subramaniam and Deputy Education Minister P Kamalanathan said the slides were ill-intentioned and aimed at insulting the Hindu religion.

Tee however said the writer of the slides should have been given a chance to defend his arguments.

“If the writer fails, then he should be asked to apologise. Not attacked in such an emotional manner. It is unfortunate how the Deputy Education Minister has become so emotional and did not give the writer a chance to defend himself,” he said.

“UTM has also been very spineless, even making news statements in English about the matter. It is unfortunate when scientists do not argue based on knowledge, but on their fear of losing their position and pay.”