Ustaz Wadi Who Called Hindus "Devil Worshippers" Over Thaipusam Procession Says Sorry
According to Ustaz Wadi Annuar, he respects the diverse communities in the country and hopes that religious harmony would be maintained with this apology.
By Sadho Ram — 13 Feb 2023, 11:50 AM
On 10 February, during a Friday sermon at a mosque in Melaka, a local preacher equated the Thaipusam procession to "devil-worshipping"
Mohamad Wadi Annuar Ayub's sermon went viral over the week, prompting an outcry from the Malaysian Hindu community, with others calling out the Ustaz for misguiding his disciples and insulting other faiths.
He was commenting on a clip showing a Thaipusam procession involving Malays when he said that Muslims are now taking part in the same march with people who worship the devil ("sembah setan").
Following the outcry over his remarks, the Ustaz has now issued a public apology.
Ustaz Wadi issued the apology after delivering an early morning sermon in Sendayan, Negeri Sembilan, yesterday, 12 February
The apology video was also shared on his Facebook page, along with a statement.
"I mentioned the Thaipusam procession and how Malay Muslims had taken part in it. I said that Islam never allowed its followers to take part in such a celebration from that religion. However, I mentioned the words 'devil worshipping' and that was a mistake that came from my mouth," he said in the video.
"I publicly apologise and I admit to my mistake. I sincerely apologise to all Hindus and the Indian community in Malaysia for my blunder," he said, adding he had no intention of insulting followers of other faiths.
According to Wadi, he respects the diverse communities in the country and hopes that religious harmony would be maintained with this apology.
