Is Zamri Vinoth’s arrest a Madani ‘wayang’? Will he be set free once PMX’s buddy Modi Ji leaves town?

 

AS renowned political commentator Prof James Chin hailed the arrest of Zamri Vinoth and his Gerakan Anti Rumah Anutan Haram (GARAH) rally-goers with sheer emojis “”, seemingly Hindu rightists are unconvinced if the cops have genuine intention to detain the controversial Muslim convert preacher.

In fact, they likened the eleventh-hour U-turn by the Kuala Lumpur Police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus to declare as illegal the Anti-Illegal Houses of Worship Movement rally slated for 8pm yesterday (Feb 7) as merely a wayang (charade) to impress Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is on a two-day official visit (Feb 7-8).

True or otherwise, this includes sending positive vibes to the thrice Indian premier that interests of Malaysian Indians are well taken care under the Madani rule to the extent that the Madani government has no qualms to act against perceived Muslim extremist elements that threaten their well-being.

A good example of this is a Facebook post by former MIC Puchong division head Awtar Singh which chided the police for ‘not seriously’ detaining Zamri Vinoth who is believed to be a staunch follower of celebrity Indian national preacher Zakir Naik of whom New Delhi is eager for an extradition.

“If you want to have a kenduri (feast) in the balai (police station), isn’t it better not to arrest him?” mocked the once Selangor MIC leader while displaying Zamri and a group of plain cloth cops – presumably at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters (IPD) – sitting around a table with packed food and drinks.

“Everything looks like play acting, right?” Awtar further snubbed to the slew of aye from his fanbase.

On the other extreme, chief cop Fadil has come under heavy shelling by Muslim rightists as a “Madani sycophant” for spearheading the arrest of Zamri Vinoth who is the GARAH coordinator alongside few prominent activists namely constitutional lawyer Haniff Khatri Abdulla, Tamim Dahri Abdul Razak and Jamalee Bashah.

Editor’s Note: Malaysiakini reported that the police have continued to detain Zamri Vinoth and Tamim for remand order process today (Feb 8) while 18 other individuals who were detained at last night’s rally were released on police bail.

Inevitably Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, too, received his fair share of brickbats from his brethren who demonise him for acting in the interest of the kafir (infields) by sanctioning tough action against the so-called GARAH protestors

In fact, human rights activist, politician and lawyer Latheefa Koya, too, ticked off PMX for suddenly taking a tough stance “just because Modi is here”.

“As much as what Zamri Vinoth stands for is despicable, the PM cannot go around threatening to arrest people before they have committed any crime,” she penned on X in reaction to PMX’s warning of “maximum action” against security threats.

“This is a nation of laws … Even Zamri has a right to hold a protest- but without inciting hatred.”

Added Malaysia’s first-ever woman to head the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC):

“Irresponsible quarters have been stoking tension using kuil haram as a term of abuse since last year. Yet, Anwar did nothing all this while, no moral leadership.

In fact, the kuil haram labelling of Hindu temples began after Anwar criticised the Masjid India temple as “illegal” in response to the plea for temple and mosque to co-exist side-by- side. Then he launched the Masjid Madani and proclaimed “victory”.

His ill-judged words were damaging and created an unhealthy situation in the country. Moreover, there are countless reports against Zamri Vinoth but Anwar’s administration took no action all this while.” 

- focus malaysia