No charges against Zamri Vinoth over ‘anti-Hindu speech’

Ravin Palanisamy Ravin Palanisamy Updated 4 years ago · Published on 6 Sep 2019 7:00AM · 10 Comments

Independent Muslim preacher Zamri Vinoth Kalimuthu allegedly insulted Hinduism at a mosque in Kelantan last December. A number of civil organisations lodged reports against Zamri but the attorney-general has decided not to press any charge. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, September 6, 2019.

THE Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) said there will be no charges against controversial independent Muslim preacher Muhammad Zamri Vinoth Kalimuthu for allegedly making insulting remarks against Hinduism.

In a letter to Hindu civil organisation Agamam Ani, the AGC said it will not pursue the matter any further.

The letter, signed by solicitor-general Mohamad Hanafiah Zakaria, dated July 5, was only handed to the civil society group yesterday.

AGC public relations officer Wasri Ahmad Sujani said a copy of the letter was sent to the society’s office address by post.

He also apologised for the delay, adding this was the reply he got from the attorney-general.

“Upon considering the complete investigation paper, that is the result the prosecution asked me to deliver. All the (other) details, I don’t have access to that information,” he said.

Last week, Agamam Ani submitted a second memorandum to the AGC over its alleged inaction prosecuting Zamri.

The de facto leader of Agamam Ani, Arun Dorasamy, said the group wanted the AGC to press charges against Zamri for a lecture he gave at a mosque in Kelantan last December, where he allegedly belittled Hinduism.

Speaking to The Malaysian Insight yesterday, Arun said he felt frustrated and insulted with the ACG’s decision.

“How would I tell the thousands of complainants about this decision? Tell them that there were no insults and the AGC is not in the position of charging him?

“The 1 min 37 sec video openly derogated Hinduism. This was the reason that many people went to the police station. So, isn’t that enough to charge Zamri Vinoth?”

Arun added that the matter would have been handled differently by the AGC if the insult was made against Islam or the Malays.

“We see others who post derogatory remarks about Islam and Malays being charged swiftly. Even a hawker was sentenced for 10 years (for insulting remarks made online).”

Arun also asked if the AGC had consulted any professional Hindu body before making its decision.

The group first submitted a memo to the AGC on July 5. – September 6, 2019.

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Comments

  • If this is encouraging and practising ketuanan policy, then what is it, Mr AG?

    Posted 4 years ago by Rupert Lum · Reply

    • Dear RL, dont get suckered in like the 'old chinese' Lim kit Siang. Let the 'kadang2 untung' play their drums. That old chinese eventually suckered in because all this while he doesnt know but lost touch with the developments.

      Posted 4 years ago by Danial H Boey · Reply

  • I thought there was a prima facie case under sec 298A of the penal code.

    Posted 4 years ago by G.Selva Ganeson · Reply

  • If you have seen ygd video, you'll realise the decision
    is wrong.

    Posted 4 years ago by CS Lee · Reply

    • Dear CS Lee, let them play their 'kadang2 untung' drums dont get suckered in and become a political issue.

      Posted 4 years ago by Danial H Boey · Reply

  • Who appointed Thomas? How could his officers go against Islam and their preachers? Not surprising anyway! Online netcitizens have been charged for simple matters raised on Islam. Are you scared of your position, Mr. Thomas?

    Posted 4 years ago by Swaminaidu Venkatasamy · Reply

  • Well, I suppose "Malaysia Baru" is still stuck in Malaysia Lama mentality; the minorities are deemed to be collateral damage ...

    Except of course when they need your votes ...

    Then they'll make electoral promises...which by now, you know they do not intend to keep

    Posted 4 years ago by Rock Hensem · Reply

  • Is the AGC taking instructions from the ultra-racist and religious bigot, TDM?

    Posted 4 years ago by Arul Inthirarajah · Reply

  • Malaysia Boleh Jungle LAW.

    Posted 4 years ago by Mindy Singh · Reply

  • There are so many videos in youtube about the millions of gods in Hindusm and none of them were taken down. More so when Sadguru even confirms that so how can Zambri be insulting Hinduism when even Sadghuru the Indian spiritual man respected by all Hindus admitted that. Just visit youtube and search for 330 million gods. I guess you wont be publishing this comment because it doesnt tow the line.

    Posted 4 years ago by Danial H Boey · Reply