Editor’s Note: This viewpoint is rehashed from a Malay language opinion of a social media influencer in the aftermath of the arrest of controversial Muslim convert preacher Zamri Vinoth last night (Feb 7) as he made his way to the Anti-Illegal Houses of Worship Movement rally venue at the SOGO Kuala Lumpur vicinity.
Apparently, the deemed staunch follower of celebrity Indian national preacher Zakir Naik and the rally’s co-organiser Tamim Dahri Abdul Razak have been detained for the remand process following their pre-emptive arrests before the purported rally in Kuala Lumpur.
Eighteen other individuals who were initially detained have since been released on police bail as confirmed by constitutional lawyer Haniff Khatri Abdulla, who was also among those arrested.
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MALAYSIA is currently in the midst of a very sensitive issue. On one hand, we welcome the official visit of the India Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a strategic trading partner.
On the other hand, there is a movement protesting the illegal temple issue that is heating up domestic temperatures. This issue is not just a matter of religion or race but a matter of the rule of law and the economic survival of a small country.
The intention of those who wanted to hold demonstrations against the existence of illegal temples is something noble in the context of upholding the law.
In Malaysia, we often come across situations whereby structurers are erected without permits on someone else’s land yet demolish them entails generous compensation or land replacement on the part of the landowner.
This creates a perception of injustice. Why are those who break the law been accorded privileges while other citizens have to comply with every inch of the procedure?
Defending National Land Code is the responsibility of all of us while at the same time, freedom of speech is a right guaranteed by the constitution.
Question of timing
However, the big question that arises is: Why now? Why did the date of the Gerakan Anti Rumah Anutan Haram a.k.a. Anti-Illegal Houses of Worship Movement rally (8pm om Feb 7) have to clash with an official visit by Modi (Feb 7-8)?
We need to be aware of who our guests are. The Indian PM is known to the world as a leader with a record of being unfriendly to Muslims through various policies in his country.
As a sovereign Islamic country, we should be careful and always vigilant in establishing cooperation with leaders who have such an ideology.
As such, holding a provocative demonstration right in front of him is like deliberately stirring up a hornet’s nest. Is there a hidden agenda or other meaning behind the selection of this date? Can it be done on another date?
Palm oil boycott threat
Malaysia is a small country. Having surpassed China to become the world’s most populous country (with a population of over 1.47 billion as of early 2026), India is Malaysia’s largest palm oil importer.
History never lies. We have seen how tense diplomatic relations promoted India to stop buying our palm oil once upon a time.
What will happen if this protest rally – despite being peaceful – led to India closing its trade doors again?
Tens of thousands of FELDA families and smallholders will be severely affected. If the price of palm oil plummets, the livelihood of smallholders will be jeopardised.
When the economy collapses and the rakyat are struggling, the ones who are protesting will now point their fingers at the government for failing to take care of the economy.
We support 100% of efforts to defend Malaysia’s rule of law. The issue of illegal temples must be resolved without compromise. However, in managing the country’s dignity on the international stage, we need diplomatic wisdom.
Don’t cut off your nose to spite your face. Don’t destroy the rice bowl of tens of thousands of our own rakyat because of misplaced emotions.
We must be firm in principle but clever in organising strategies as a small country whose dignity lies in the stability and prosperity of its populace.
Safuan Borhan is a social media influencer.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.
- Focus Malaysia.
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