Freelance preacher held over hate speech

PETALING JAYA: A freelance Muslim preacher, who is also an associate of controversial cleric Dr Zakir Naik, was arrested in Perlis for allegedly insulting Hinduism.

Mohammad Zamri Vinoth, 34, was picked up by the Perlis Serious Crime Division in Kangar yesterday after several reports were lodged against him.

He is being investigated under Section 298A of the Penal Code for causing disunity and spurring hatred among the people and Section 233 of the Multimedia and Com­munications Act for misusing network facilities and services.

Investigations revealed that  he gave the speech at the As-Siddiqin Mosque in Kampung Pan­chor, Kel­antan, on Dec 30 last year.

The footage of the talk was subsequently uploaded on YouTube by an organisation known as the Kelantan Sunnah Info.

Perlis police chief Senior Asst Comm Datuk Noor Mushar Moha­mad said Zamri also had a criminal record.

“He is being investigated for voluntarily causing hurt, for criminal breach of trust and over a rape case,” said SAC Noor Mushar.

In Penang, Seberang Perai Tengah OCPD Asst Comm Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abdul Hamid said police had received 13 reports against Zamri since April 23.

“According to the complainants, the man, via his one-minute, 10-second video clip posted on social media, has uttered blasphemous statements against Hinduism that can cause disharmony,” he said.

Netizens have called for action to be taken against Zamri after he blatantly insulted Hinduism, with many saying he had gone too far in his talks.