Independent preacher Zamri Vinoth has been arrested by the police over a Facebook posting that allegedly threatens public peace.
Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said the posting was related to the relocation of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple in Kuala Lumpur.
Zamri is being detained at the Padang Besar police headquarters’ lockup and will be brought to the Kangar court tomorrow for a remand application.
Razarudin said a police report was lodged yesterday at the Dang Wangi police headquarters over the posting, with the complainant accusing Zamri of sedition and tarnishing the reputation of the Hindu faith.
“The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has preserved the data on Zamri’s Facebook account. A mobile phone has also been seized,” he said.
The case is being investigated under the Sedition Act and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act for improper use of network facilities.
The plan to relocate the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple to make way for a mosque had sparked public backlash.
Jakel Trading Sdn Bhd previously said it had acquired the land in 2012 and received permission in 2021 to begin constructing a mosque there.
The firm agreed not to demolish the temple until its committee agreed on a new site. It also offered to pay for the relocation.
On Tuesday, it was announced that the temple committee had agreed to move 50m away to a new 4,000 sq ft site, matching its current size.
Earlier this month, Zamri courted controversy after remarking on Facebook that Hindu worshippers performing the kavadi ritual said “vel vel” while appearing to be possessed or drunk.
His remarks followed a controversy surrounding three Era FM radio hosts who were widely criticised for mocking the kavadi ritual. Zamri became the subject of nearly 900 police reports.
On March 12, Razarudin said police were awaiting further instructions from the Attorney-General’s Chambers after submitting its investigation papers on this case.
Source : FMT
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