Controversial preacher says ‘illegal temple’ rally will go on

Hours after the government said it should be called off, Zamri Vinoth tells supporters not to be fooled by propaganda from their opponents.

A coalition of NGOs led by independent preacher Zamri Vinoth plans to hold a rally outside the Sogo shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow night.

PETALING JAYA:

 Controversial independent preacher Zamri Vinoth said tonight that the rally against “illegal” temples would go on despite the government’s earlier call for it to be called off.

“Don’t be fooled by their propaganda and tactics. We (will) fight (against) intruders. Tomorrow’s (rally is) on at 8pm in front of Sogo KL,” said Zamri in a brief posting on Facebook.

It came hours after the home ministry said the police will meet rally organisers to get them to call off the protest in view of the visit by Indian prime minister Narendra Modi from tomorrow.

“Therefore, we urge members of the public against holding or participating in any public gathering throughout the period (of Modi’s) visit,” said the ministry.

The rally, planned by a coalition of societies led by Zamri, is aimed at putting pressure on the authorities to take action against so-called “illegal” houses of worship.

The issue has gained traction in recent weeks, while several politicians from the Indian community have called for restraint. Police reports have been lodged against the rally, urging the police and the government to prevent the protest from going ahead.

Earlier today, government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will not allow any party to jeopardise the nation’s security ahead of Modi’s visit. - FMT