Another Rayer police report, another investigation against Zamri Vinoth

 

Police are investigating a Facebook post by Zamri Vinoth following a report lodged by DAP lawmaker RSN Rayer - his fourth against the Muslim preacher.

The Jelutong MP’s latest report was over Zamri’s (above) post on a gathering regarding a small Hindu temple located near the entrance of the Bukit Mertajam Hospital (HBM) scheduled for Saturday.

State police chief Azizee Ismail said an investigation paper has been opened and the case is being probed under Section 505(c) of the Penal Code and Section 233(1) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Section 505(c) criminalises making, publishing, or circulating any statement, rumour, or report with the intent to incite. Violations can result in imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both.

Azizee urged the public not to spread unverified information with provocative elements or make speculation that could incite ill intent and racial hostility in the country.

He also advised the public not to participate in or organise any gathering that could cause disturbances or disrupt public order in the local community.

RSN Rayer

Azizee said police are closely monitoring the situation and will take firm action against any party found to have violated the law.

Rayer, who also chairs the Penang Hindu Endowments Board (LWHPP), lodged the report after Zamri expressed support for the gathering in a Facebook post.

Is Zamri above the law?

In his Facebook post, the preacher shared a poster of the gathering with the caption: “On. Jom turun Hospital Bukit Mertajam. Dakwa dan roboh. Usah cakap banyak dengan pihak penjenayah. Cakap ulang-ulang pun depa buat tak paham Bahasa. Next jom cari di Kedah.” (Let’s go down to Hospital Bukit Mertajam. Report and demolish. Don’t talk too much with the criminals. Even when repeated, you pretend not to understand the language. Next, let’s go look in Kedah).

Various quarters, including politicians, have questioned whether Zamri is above the law, as he has yet to face action despite nearly 1,000 police reports lodged against him over his inflammatory remarks.

Previously, Rayer filed a report after the preacher likened the kavadi bearers during the Thaipusam festival to intoxicated individuals.

A Thaipusam kavadi bearer

In response to Rayer’s police report, Zamri accused the DAP lawmaker of spinning his words, saying that the gathering is to press the authorities to take action.

“You all built an illegal temple in front of the hospital, which disturbs public peace and sparks racial issues. If you want to pray, at least find a proper place. An illegal temple only causes trouble for others.

“Since when did we want to go and demolish your place? Chai phuii! We want to urge the government to prosecute and demolish it, oh MP who doesn’t understand Malay! We demand that the government that prosecutes and demolishes, do you get it, fool!” he added. - Mkini