Uthaya says will stop writing about Islam after night in lock-up

 

Writer Uthaya Sankar SB who spent a night in lock-up over a Facebook post that allegedly insulted Prophet Muhammad today said he will not write anything about Islam in the future.

"I always read about Islam, but I have learned my lesson. I will keep away from Islam and not write anything about Islam in the future, that would be the best," he said.

He was speaking to Malaysiakini after he was released from police custody earlier today.

Uthaya spent the night in the Dang Wangi district police headquarters lock-up last night after he was arrested over a social media post on April 7.

The post that touched on the issue of polygamy and the Prophet Muhammad was alleged to be insulting to Islam.

He was hauled up to facilitate investigation under Section 298A of the Penal Code, a law that stipulates offences related to creating disharmony and disunity, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of communications networks.

However, police failed to secure a four-day remand order against Uthaya when a magistrate turned down their request this morning. They released him from custody at about 3pm today.

Meanwhile, asked to comment on his first-time experience spending the night in a lock-up, Uthaya (above) said he did not face any problems.

According to him, the police officers were very professional.

"This was the first time I slept in a lock-up. I had no problem and slept well last night. The lock-up was also clean and well maintained," he said.

Uthaya said the questions that police asked him during the investigation were also nothing out of the ordinary.

"They asked me whether it was me who uploaded the Facebook post? Did I do it voluntarily? Where was I when I uploaded the status?

"The cops also asked if I posted the status using my phone, and such. They are the usual questions," he said. - Mkini