<p> An Islamic preacher of Indian-origin, accused of insulting Hinduism in Malaysia five years ago, apologised today for his remarks following protests from the Hindu community in this Muslim majority nation.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Ustaz Shahul Hamid Mohammed, 39, had allegedly told Muslims not to buy curry powder products from what he deemed as "Hindu" companies.<br /><br />The video of his remarks inside a prayer room went viral early this week, triggering protests from Hindu groups which demanded action against the preacher.<br /><br />"I openly apologise in front of everyone, especially to the Indian community and all parties involved over my words during a speech I made which was considered offensive and insulting to the feelings of the Indian community," Muhammad said.<br /><br />"I realise that I too, as an Indian, and someone who has origins in India, should not have insulted the beliefs of Hindus in front of everyone. I did not intend to offend and insult and did not mean to incite racial tension. I was only trying to attract the attention of my listeners at the event," he added.<br /><br />"However, my ceramah (meeting) was recorded and uploaded without my knowledge and consent by other individuals," the preacher said.<br /><br />Shahul Hamid is a member of the islamic fundamentalist opposition Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party. He expressed regret over his words and promised that such incidents would not be repeated in the future.<br /><br />He also said that he was willing to meet with leaders from the Indian community to apologise for his behaviour.<br /><br />The preacher also had made fun of a drishti bomma,(a squarish metal plate with a painted idol to ward off evil eye) placed at the entrance of an Indian Flour Mills near Permatang Pauh.<br /><br />Malaysia's 26 million population has eight per cent ethnic Indians of which majority are Hindus.<br /><br />Meanwhile, Muhammad reported to the Bukit Mertajam police station today to record his statement over the issue.<br /><br />He was then released on bail till August 14.</p>
<p> An Islamic preacher of Indian-origin, accused of insulting Hinduism in Malaysia five years ago, apologised today for his remarks following protests from the Hindu community in this Muslim majority nation.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Ustaz Shahul Hamid Mohammed, 39, had allegedly told Muslims not to buy curry powder products from what he deemed as "Hindu" companies.<br /><br />The video of his remarks inside a prayer room went viral early this week, triggering protests from Hindu groups which demanded action against the preacher.<br /><br />"I openly apologise in front of everyone, especially to the Indian community and all parties involved over my words during a speech I made which was considered offensive and insulting to the feelings of the Indian community," Muhammad said.<br /><br />"I realise that I too, as an Indian, and someone who has origins in India, should not have insulted the beliefs of Hindus in front of everyone. I did not intend to offend and insult and did not mean to incite racial tension. I was only trying to attract the attention of my listeners at the event," he added.<br /><br />"However, my ceramah (meeting) was recorded and uploaded without my knowledge and consent by other individuals," the preacher said.<br /><br />Shahul Hamid is a member of the islamic fundamentalist opposition Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party. He expressed regret over his words and promised that such incidents would not be repeated in the future.<br /><br />He also said that he was willing to meet with leaders from the Indian community to apologise for his behaviour.<br /><br />The preacher also had made fun of a drishti bomma,(a squarish metal plate with a painted idol to ward off evil eye) placed at the entrance of an Indian Flour Mills near Permatang Pauh.<br /><br />Malaysia's 26 million population has eight per cent ethnic Indians of which majority are Hindus.<br /><br />Meanwhile, Muhammad reported to the Bukit Mertajam police station today to record his statement over the issue.<br /><br />He was then released on bail till August 14.</p>