"Dey", the man in the viral video Seafield says not to be hurt by memes

SHAH ALAM: When violence erupted around him Monday night at Subang Jaya's Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, businessman S Kanagarajah felt helpless and angry.

He was so furious that all he could do was shout "Dey" before stammering and gesturing as a video recorded his reaction. At one point, his eyes bulging, he pulled out his tongue and was apparently lost in his words.

This spontaneous reaction has made Kanagarajah "famous" because the video has become viral on social media, some internet users have even proposed memes.

The #DeyChallenge and #TheyyChallenge hashtags appear on most social media sites, some trying to emulate the indignation of a word from Kanagarajah.

Kanagarajah, however, is not offended by the fact that netizens are making fun of his costs.

"If my anger makes them happy, then that's not a problem. That they are happy, "he said.

He also stated that he had not received any threat since the video had become viral.

"I just saw them doing this fun thing trying to imitate me," he said.

He also denied that his reaction in the video was made to entertain.

"At that time, I felt like crying when I saw what was happening.

"I did not do an angry face on purpose. I was just pissed off when I saw my friends being beaten and their heads bleeding.

"We did not want to quarrel; we were just there to pray, "said Kanagarajah, a regular temple volunteer.

On Monday, a group suddenly entered the temple, in the USJ25, when worshipers were gathered there. During the fight that followed, several people were injured and the temple premises were ransacked. At least 18 vehicles parked outside the temple were set on fire.

Early Tuesday morning, an unruly crowd that gathered in front of the temple burned several other vehicles and also vandalized the promoter's office nearby. A firefighter on duty was seriously injured and is now fighting for his life.

Previously, Kanagarajah screengrabs in police uniforms had also toured social media.

Inspector General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun, however, said that Kanagarajah was formerly a member of the Voluntary Police Reserves, but that his services had been suspended due to "some problems".

The temple is involved in a dispute with the developer, One City Development, which had obtained a court of approval judgment in 2014 for the temple to be transferred to another nearby lot with a compensation of RM 1.5 million. .