Kula Lumpur, 23 August (AKI) - A Malaysian Tamil-language newspaper, Makkal Ossai, has apologised for publishing an image of Jesus holding a cigarette and what appeared to be a can of beer. However the daily is facing calls be shut down, according to a report in the Malaysian daily, The Star.
The picture of Jesus was reportedly downloaded from the Internet and used on the front page of the paper on Tuesday in a section to highlight the sayings of great sages and leaders. The image was accompanied by a quote which said: “If a person repents his mistakes, heaven awaits him.”
The newspaper issued an apology but a group representing minority relgions in Malaysia has called on the authorities to take action against the paper for offending the Christian community in the country.
Malaysia is a majority Muslim country and its Muslim-led government closed down two publications last year for carrying controversial images of the Prophet Mohammed.
The president of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism, A. Vaithilingam, said the Malaysian home affairs ministry should investigate Makkal Osai and take necessary action against those responsible for publishing the “shameful” picture.
A police report has also been filed over the issue, according to The Star.
