KUALA LUMPUR: Independent preacher Zamri Vinoth has been charged at the magistrate’s court here over statements that allegedly sparked provocative debate over religious and racial issues.
The charge relates to the organisation of a rally in front of a shopping complex here last month.
Zamri Vinoth, 42, or his full name Muhammad Zamri Vinoth Kalimuthu, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read out before magistrate Faezahnoor Hassan on Tuesday (March 17).
"I understand. I plead not guilty," he said.
According to the charge sheet, Zamri allegedly made a statement on his Facebook account "Zamri Vinoth" at about 12.22pm on Feb 3.
The statement was seen and heard by an individual at Restoran Nasi Kandar Kudu in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman.
The prosecution contends the statement could provoke public unrest and instigate people to break public order.
He was charged under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code and faces a maximum of two years' imprisonment, a fine or both if convicted.
DPP Datuk Mohd Nordin Ismail offered bail at RM10,000, noting that about 100 police reports had been lodged against the accused up until Feb 3.
"This is what we say matters that can incite public unrest," he said.
Defence lawyer Muhammad Hariz Md Yusoff requested a lower amount, stating his client appeared in court voluntarily.
He also clarified that Zamri had not absconded to Thailand, but had travelled there from March 9 to 12 to arrange a marriage solemnisation before the IGP's media statement was issued.
Magistrate Faezahnoor allowed bail at RM4,500 in one surety and fixed the case for mention on April 29.
