Zamri Vinoth and Others Arrested as Planned Rally Falters
In Kuala Lumpur, a planned rally against allegedly ‘illegal’ houses of worship faced disruption leading to the arrest of controversial preacher Zamri Vinoth and several others. The event, organized for 9 PM outside the Sogo department store, did not proceed due to a strong police presence and concerns regarding public safety.
Zamri Vinoth Arrested Amid Rally Disruption
Zamri Vinoth’s arrest was confirmed by Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus. Details regarding the circumstances were not immediately available, but an announcement on Zamri’s Facebook indicated that he was taken to the Dang Wangi police station.
Arrests and Police Presence
Several other individuals were also detained, including:
- Haniff Khatri Abdulla, a lawyer
- Shafiq Abdul Halim, information chief of Bersatu’s Hulu Langat division
- Hishamuddin Abu Bakar from the Ummah NGO
- Iskandar Khoo of Bersatu
- Gulab Jan (PPIM)
- Tamim Dahari Abd Razak, a website owner
Additional arrests occurred, including one individual who resisted police orders. By 10 PM, the area had settled after police issued dispersal orders to those who gathered.
Government Warning
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim cautioned potential participants to respect the law and avoid actions that could disrupt public order. He emphasized that any unlawful conduct would face “maximum action”.
MP RSN Rayer, representing the Jelutong constituency, responded swiftly to Zamri’s arrest, demanding that both Zamri and his associates be held accountable. Rayer insisted that Zamri should not be released on bail but rather remain in custody until court proceedings could begin, asserting that no one is above the law.
Background of the Rally
The rally’s purpose was to condemn the existence of “illegal” houses of worship, a topic that has garnered attention over recent weeks. Various politicians from the Hindu community have emphasized the need for restraint amidst rising tensions. Many have filed police reports urging authorities to prevent the protest.
The heightened police mobilization, which included around 200 uniformed personnel and the Light Strike Force, clearly indicated the authorities’ determination to maintain order during this controversial period.
