Zamri released 'within hours' despite 2-day remand order, Bersatu man claims

Summary

• Port Dickson Bersatu division chief Chegubard says independent preacher Zamri Vinoth was released from police custody before Friday prayers today - a few hours after police secured a remand order against him.

• The politician claims Zamri was released due to “extraordinary mass public pressure”.

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Independent preacher Zamri Vinoth appears to have been released from police custody mere hours after police secured a two-day remand order against him.

According to Port Dickson Bersatu division chief Badrul Hisham Shaharin, also known as Chegubard, Zamri was released due to “extraordinary mass public pressure”.

In a Facebook post, Badrul said Zamri was allowed to leave before Friday prayers earlier today, noting that he was accompanied by nine pro-bono lawyers during the police’s application to the court for a remand order.

When contacted by Malaysiakini, Zamri declined to comment.

Malaysiakini has also contacted the police and is awaiting a response.

Zamri, 41, was arrested in Kangar, Perlis, yesterday and detained under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

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Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain earlier confirmed that the remand order was granted by magistrate Ana Rozana Nor at the Kangar Magistrate’s Court at approximately 9.30am today.

Razarudin said police had received a report from an individual at 6.30pm the day before the arrest.

Investigations into Zamri relate to his Facebook posts regarding the relocation of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple in Kuala Lumpur, with his remand aimed at assisting probes into allegations of insulting religion and disturbing public order.

The issue of the temple’s relocation had previously sparked public debate, with authorities emphasising strict action against any statements that threatened religious harmony and public order

The controversy began when news broke of plans to demolish the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple to make way for a mosque.

The temple’s committee has since confirmed it has reached an agreement with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall to relocate the structure along Jalan Munshi Abdullah, off Jalan Masjid India, to a nearby site about 50m away.

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