Mp Warns Of Selective Prosecution If No Action Taken Against Zamri

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Ramkarpal Singh (left) warns that a failure to act against preacher Zamri Vinoth for mocking Hindu rituals will suggest selective prosecution, as others have faced action for similar offences.
PETALING JAYA: Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh today called for immediate action against Zamri Vinoth over the controversial preacher’s social media post mocking the Hindu religion, warning that any failure to do so would risk creating the perception of selective prosecution.
Ramkarpal said that allowing Zamri to go unpunished while acting against Era FM staff, comedian Harith Iskandar, and social media user Cecilia Yap for similar cases would send the wrong message.
“A failure to do so would give the impression of selective prosecution against the DJs, Harith, and Cecilia, while Zamri is allowed to commit such blatant abuses of the law with impunity,” Ramkarpal said in a statement.
“I am of the view that Zamri’s comments are clearly in contravention of various laws such as Sections 504 and 505 of the Penal Code which merit immediate investigations.”
Section 504 relates to insults made with the intent of provoking a breach of the peace, while Section 505 concerns statements conducive to public mischief.
Ramkarpal, a former deputy law and institutional reform minister, also urged the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to remove Zamri’s post to prevent further harm.
“Racial harmony must be the government’s priority, and I believe the majority of Malaysians want firm action against anything that threatens our delicate social fabric,” he said.
Zamri said in a Facebook post yesterday that Hindu worshippers performing the kavadi ritual looked like they were “possessed and drunk on toddy”.
His remarks followed the controversy surrounding three Era FM radio hosts, who were widely criticised for their mockery of the same religious practice.
Ramkarpal described Zamri’s remarks as grossly irresponsible and insensitive, especially coming so soon after the Era FM controversy.
While the three DJs had since apologised, he expressed doubt that Zamri would do the same, saying the preacher had previously escaped the legal consequences of making inflammatory statements.
In 2019, Zamri was arrested for making statements deemed insulting to Hinduism. He was investigated under Section 298A of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 19981. However, the Attorney-General’s Chambers decided not to pursue charges against him. - FMT

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