PUTRAJAYA: Four individuals will be charged in separate courts on March 17 for allegedly issuing statements that sparked provocative debates involving religious and racial issues.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said investigations against all four individuals have been completed by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
He said the investigation papers had been referred separately to the Attorney General’s Chambers and the respective State Prosecution Directors in line with Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution.
“Investigations were carried out against four individuals who issued statements that triggered debates with provocative elements related to religious and racial issues,” he said during a press conference on Monday (March 16).
He said amomg those to be charged, Zamri Vinoth, will be charged at the Magistrate’s Court in Kuala Lumpur over a statement related to the organisation of a gathering at the Sogo complex on Feb 7.
Zamri will be charged under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for making a statement conducive to public mischief with the intent to cause, or which is likely to cause, fear or alarm to the public.
Meanwhile, Tamim Dahri will be charged at the Magistrate’s Court in Langkawi, Kedah, under Section 295 of the Penal Code for allegedly damaging a soolam, which is regarded as a sacred symbol in Hinduism, at the former site of the Sri Maha Muniswarar Temple in Langkawi.
Khalid said police believe Tamim Dahri is currently in a neighbouring country, believed to be Thailand.
The third individual, Mahendra Bhoopathy, will be charged at the Magistrate’s Court in Seremban, Negri Sembilan over a post accusing Masjid Jamek Dato’ Bandar Haji Ahmad Rasah of being an illegal mosque.
He will also face a charge under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code.
Another individual, Arumugam Dorasamy, will be charged at the Magistrate’s Court in Jawi, Penang for issuing a statement calling on the Persatuan Hindu Agama ANI Malaysia to organise a street protest if no action was taken against Zamri Vinoth.
The offence is also framed under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code.
If convicted, they face up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Khalid said the police remains committed to ensuring public order and safety are preserved.
“We will not compromise with any individual or group involved in activities that could threaten public order and security,” he said.
He added that efforts to safeguard national security require the commitment of all parties, including stakeholders and non-governmental organisations.
