Amanah Youth calls for middle ground after 894 reports filed against Zamri

Summary

• Amanah Youth calls for middle ground after 894 reports filed against preacher Zamri Vinoth.

• Amanah Youth’s Syariah bureau director Hafiz Roslan says tensions and misunderstandings benefit no one.

• He also advises Muslim preachers not to resort to insulting other faiths.

Following nearly 900 police reports lodged against independent preacher Zamri Vinoth, an Amanah Youth leader has urged the public not to be swayed by ongoing tensions and misunderstandings, emphasising that such conflicts benefit no one.

“Instead, let us seek common ground and strengthen the spirit of unity for collective harmony,” said Hafiz Roslan, the wing’s Syariah bureau director.

While acknowledging Zamri’s (above) efforts in “defending Islam with courage”, Hafiz also commended MIC deputy president M Saravanan for his maturity in not escalating the issue into a divisive debate.

At the same time, Hafiz urged Muslim preachers to approach dakwah (Islamic preaching) with wisdom.

“Engage in discussions with maturity and kindness. No religion permits the act of insulting other faiths.

“The dakwah of Prophet Muhammad, his companions, and Islamic scholars has always been rooted in good character, wisdom, and knowledge - not mockery. Present arguments with respect and noble conduct,” he said in a statement.

Hafiz cautioned that in a multiracial country, conflicts can easily arise, and it is crucial to prevent prolonged misunderstandings that could lead to interfaith tensions.

“Amanah Youth sincerely invites all parties involved to engage in dialogue through the available channels, particularly via the National Unity Ministry,” he added.

Debate cancelled

On Wednesday, Saravanan announced that he had cancelled his planned debate with Zamri, who had likened kavadi bearers during Thaipusam to individuals who are possessed or intoxicated.

The Tapah MP said the decision was made in the interest of national harmony, following extensive discussions with MIC’s top leadership and Putrajaya.

Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain confirmed that 894 police reports had been lodged against the preacher and that investigation papers had been referred to the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

Critics, however, argue that Zamri has repeatedly insulted Hinduism yet has managed to evade prosecution, accusing the authorities of acting unfairly when dealing with matters related to religions other than Islam.

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