In a statement today, Saravanan said Zamri’s comments were “extremely disrespectful and deeply offensive to the Hindu community”.

“This is clearly against the Madani government’s stance on 3R (race, religion and royalty) matters.

“There are many police complaints against him. The police and government must take action against him once and for all,” said Saravanan, who is also the Tapah MP.

Earlier this evening, Zamri said in a Facebook post that Hindu worshippers performing the kavadi ritual said “Vel Vel” while appearing to be possessed or drunk, and he questioned why this was not considered insulting.

“What you do is what people see, so why are you angry when people do what you do?

“If you want to be angry, don’t do things that people will follow!” he said.

Zamri was commenting on the recent controversy sparked by three Era FM radio hosts, who had been roundly panned for their mockery of the Thaipusam kavadi ritual.

In a video clip shared on the station’s social media platforms, they were seen chanting the phrase “Vel Vel” while laughing.

Astro Audio took the three off the air following outrage over the video, and later suspended them.

Saravanan said Zamri’s comments were an insult to the Hindu faith and Malaysian cultural traditions.

He also urged home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to issue an order for Zamri to be charged immediately.

“This is not the first time the controversial preacher has insulted Hinduism,” he said.