Labeling Hindu Temples ‘Illegal’ Is a Political Trap | with Waytha Moorthy Interview

Описание: In this in-depth episode of TheGoodCastShow, we speak with Waytha Moorthy, co-founder of HINDRAF and President of the Malaysian Advancement Party (MAP), on one of the most sensitive and polarising issues in Malaysia today: religion, politics, and the manipulation of communal sentiment.

Waytha Moorthy addresses the controversy surrounding the labelling of Hindu temples as “illegal,” arguing that such language manufactures religious tension and distracts the public from deeper governance failures. Drawing on history, law, and lived political experience, he explains why many Hindu temples existed long before independence, how historical land agreements were mishandled by successive governments, and why today’s framing of the issue is both inaccurate and dangerous.

The conversation also explores:

The origins and objectives of HINDRAF

MAP’s position within broader political coalitions

Whether religious sentiment is being weaponised for political survival

The limits of minority political power in Malaysia

Accountability, leadership, and the role of the state in correcting historical injustices

Timestamps
00:00 – Making excuses of PAS
07:07 – Caring more for PAS than the sentiments of Indian voters
08:22 – Resigning if PAS continues in its ways
08:54 – Suggesting PAS does not have the acumen?
10:56 – A deliberate incitement of religious tension
12:11 – Background on the temple issue
16:38 – Race vs Political rallies
19:35 – Action from the opposition
21:48 – Significance of non-Malay parties in Perikatan Nasional
23:00 – Condemning the actions of the manufacturers
24:36 – The focus should be on bigger issues
27:12 – A red herring
28:01 – The verdict on Zamri Vinod
29:34 – The solution
30:39 – The larger political agenda
32:07 – Making ignorant people understand
35:48 – The benefitting party
37:56 – Shrines that become temples
39:48 – MAP’s stance on race politics
45:01 – PN leaders unaware about the Indian community
47:50 – A missed opportunity
48:46 – Give us a sign PN!
50:31 – PAS losing the Indian vote for PN
53:28 – PAS’s unwillingness to evolve
55:55 – Leveraging on the issue for personal gain
59:59 – The issues and its benefits for the Indian community
1:02:54 – The impact of the rally… if it had happened

This episode features candid disagreements, tough questioning, and unfiltered responses on coalition politics, PAS, Pakatan Harapan, Perikatan Nasional, and the responsibilities of national leadership. It is a serious discussion on human rights, constitutional responsibility, and the future of multiracial coexistence in Malaysia.

Follow Waytha Moorthy on:
Facebook -   / waytha  
TikTok -   / waythamoorthyponnusamy  

🎙️ Watch the full episode for a detailed, unedited conversation that goes beyond headlines and soundbites.

📌 Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments.

Stay Connected with TheGoodCastShow

Instagram -   / thegoodcastshow  
TikTok -   / thegoodcastshow  
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1LdluFF...

If you'd like to come on the show, or advertise on our show, or just want to share your thoughts, you can drop us an email at [email protected]

📩 Have a guest suggestion or a topic you want discussed? Drop it in the comments!

🔔 Subscribe to TheGoodCastShow for long-form conversations on politics, society, and ideas that shape our region.