Zamri Vinoth, several others nabbed as planned rally fizzles out

 The controversial preacher was taken to the Dang Wangi police station, while a lawyer and several political party members were also reportedly arrested.

A strong police presence was noted tonight in central Kuala Lumpur, where the rally against so-called ‘illegal’ houses of worship was to take place.

PETALING JAYA:

 Controversial preacher Zamri Vinoth has been arrested by police, together with several others after a planned rally against so-called “illegal” houses of worship failed to take place in Kuala Lumpur tonight.

News of Zamri’s arrest was posted on his Facebook account. “He has been brought to the Dang Wangi police station,” the statement said.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus, who confirmed Zamri’s arrest, gave no other details, and urged the media to wait for a press conference tomorrow.

Among those believed to have been arrested were lawyer Haniff Khatri Abdulla and Bersatu’s Hulu Langat division information chief Shafiq Abdul Halim, Hishamuddin Abu Bakar of the Ummah NGO, Iskandar Khoo of Bersatu, Gulab Jan (PPIM), and website owner Tamim Dahari Abd Razak.

One man was arrested after he refused to obey the police, and was also taken to the Dang Wangi station.

The rally had been planned for 9pm outside the Sogo department store in central Kuala Lumpur but failed to materialise after police said the rally had been blocked for security reasons. A heavy police presence was noticeable at the scene.

Police shored up their presence, with an estimated 200 uniformed personnel, including the Light Strike Force, on site. Dang Wangi police chief Sazalee Adam had spoke to those who turned up for the rally, and later issued a dispersal order. All was quiet at the scene by 10pm.

This afternoon, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim warned those who intended to take part the rally they must respect the law and not disrupt public safety. Any action that violated the law or stoked racial tensions would be met with “maximum action”. “Arrest them and throw them out,” he was quoted as saying.

In an immediate response to news of Zamri’s arrest, an MP has called for “Zamri and all his accomplices” to face the full force of the law.

RSN Rayer, the MP for Jelutong, urged the police not to release Zamri on police bail but instead keep him in remand and be charged in court. “Show Zamri Vinoth that he is not above the law and not bigger than the prime minister,” Rayer said in a statement tonight.

The planned rally was organised by a coalition of societies led by Zamri and was intended to pressure authorities into action against so-called “illegal” houses of worship.

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