Harith Iskander, a prominent Muslim comedian in Malaysia, finds himself at the center of a cultural controversy following a joke he made about "ham sap kopi," a playful term referring to a coffee drink. The joke has sparked considerable backlash, particularly among some Muslims who found the content offensive. This uproar has led to police reports and demands for the suspension of Harith's social media accounts. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is now collaborating with relevant agencies to address the issue.
The controversy touches on sensitive topics in Malaysia, notably the 3Rs: race, religion, and royalty. These issues have become increasingly contentious in recent years as cultural wars and partisanship gain momentum. A Malay nationalist movement is appealing to the Malay-Muslim majority, which faces challenges such as rising living costs. In this context, Harith's joke has struck a nerve, leading to heightened tensions.
On Wednesday, Sirajuddin Suhaimee, the director general of the department involved, commented on the situation. He emphasized that the agency is working closely with the MCMC to handle the matter effectively.
"Jakim will never compromise with any act of making fun of Islamic teachings and hurting the sensitivities of Muslims," – Sirajuddin Suhaimee
The MCMC possesses the authority to suspend social media accounts and remove content deemed inappropriate. This power could potentially lead to Harith's accounts being suspended, as many have called for this action in light of the controversy.
A police report has already been filed concerning the incident, indicating the seriousness with which authorities view the situation. The agency is actively pushing for the removal of the allegedly offensive content from Harith's platforms. Despite the growing pressure, Harith has not yet commented on the matter.
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