KUALA LUMPUR: No two ways about it – those who exploit 3R (race, religion and royalty) issues will face stern action, police have warned.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Fadil Marsus (pic) said action was taken during a rally against the construction of illegal temples on Saturday night, following public complaints and police intelligence.
He said over 100 police reports were lodged, and that intelligence gathered by the police led authorities to deny permission for the Anti-Illegal Houses of Worship rally outside the Sogo shopping complex.
“Following security considerations and intelligence assessments, the police did not grant permission for the assembly to be held. We also received a total of 131 police reports in relation to this assembly.
“At about 8pm on Saturday, police detected approximately 100 individuals who had gathered in front of the Sogo shopping complex demanding action over alleged encroachment involving the construction of an illegal temple and a place of worship built without approval.
“As a result, the police detained 19 individuals believed to be participants of the assembly, comprising 15 men and four women, all locals, aged between 30 and 64,” he told a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur contingent headquarters here yesterday.
Two of those detained were remanded for two days yesterday, including controversial preacher Zamri Vinoth, he added.
When asked whether security concerns surrounding the official visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kuala Lumpur influenced the decision to deny permission for the rally, Comm Fadil said this was among the factors considered.
He also rejected claims that police were targeting only one particular group over the issue.
“At the same time, three men were arrested in Klang after uploading several TikTok videos. We are taking action against both sides. Investigations will be conducted simultaneously since the issues are linked.
“I want to highlight that upholding public peace and harmony is the responsibility of all parties, not just those from the enforcement side,” he said.
“If there are any incidents on the construction of illegal temples, the police will cooperate fully if we are given court orders to take action. We will not hesitate to act according to the law.
“Any attempt to exploit issues related to race, religion and royalty will be investigated, and stern action will be taken against any individual or group that incites disorder or extreme provocation.”
