Justice swift for insulting PM, lags in cases like Zamri's - Zaid

Summary

• Zaid Ibrahim criticises the government for acting swiftly against those who insult the prime minister, while delaying action on more serious, politically sensitive cases like Zamri Vinoth’s remarks about Thaipusam.

• The former law minister highlights the quick prosecution of a petrol station attendant over a video against Anwar Ibrahim, contrasting it with inaction in Zamri’s case involving nearly 900 police reports.

• He accuses Anwar of abandoning his reformist ideals and adopting authoritarian tactics, creating a culture of fear and silencing dissent.

Justice is quick when it involves accusations against those insulting the prime minister, but the judicial process seems to falter or stagnate in other matters, said Zaid Ibrahim.

The former law minister pointed to the case of independent Muslim preacher Zamri Vinoth as a prime example of this disparity.

On March 12, the police disclosed that nearly 900 reports had been filed against Zamri after he compared kavadi bearers during the Hindu festival of Thaipusam to individuals who were drunk or possessed.

“Despite this being a clear-cut case falling squarely within the government's controversial ‘3R’ (race, religion, and royalty) offences, the investigation papers remain gathering dust on a desk at the Attorney-General’s Chambers,” Zaid told Malaysiakini.

In stark contrast, he noted that a petrol station attendant in Kelantan, who allegedly posted a video deemed offensive to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, is set to face charges just days after his arrest.

“This is a blatant example of how the government acts swiftly against ‘soft’ targets, yet turns a blind eye, a deaf ear, and a sealed mouth - like the proverbial three monkeys - when cases with potential political ramifications arise,” he alleged.

“How is this government any different from its predecessors? There is, however, one glaring difference. This prime minister, unlike his predecessors, promised a ‘new dawn’ for Malaysia - yet that promise is now eclipsed by the all-too-familiar darkness,” he said.

Regarding the Kelantan case, Zaid argued that the 25-year-old pump attendant should challenge the charges, emphasising that a critical comment should not automatically be considered a criminal offence.

“We don’t live in Trump’s world. Even the prime minister has used language that some people find offensive,” he remarked.

“Anwar is no longer a reformist. He is acting like a dictator. This style of leadership creates a culture of intimidation, and that’s exactly what we’re witnessing,” he added.

Last Wednesday, Kelantan police chief Mohd Yusoff Mamat said the pump attendant uploaded a video insulting Anwar on TikTok, to stir up public tension and boycott the Aidilfitri Madani celebration that took place at Pantai Irama, Bachok on April 12.

He said investigations also found that the suspect’s action stemmed from personal motivation and is not related to any political parties.

“Police are now only waiting for the final report from MCMC before the case is taken to court. The suspect is expected to be charged next week,” he added.

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