Hindu lawyers urge AGC to revisit probes on preachers Zamri, Firdaus

The Malaysian Hindu Lawyers Association (MHLA) today urged the attorney-general (AG) to review the investigation papers concerning controversial Muslim preachers Zamri Vinoth and Firdaus Wong.

In a statement today, its president RV Lingam said it was surprising that despite police having opened investigation files on the pair, the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) decided not to prosecute due to insufficient evidence to establish an offence.

Lingam stated that given the substantial number of police reports filed against the duo, there was already prima facie evidence of their alleged offences under Section 298A of the Penal Code.

“We therefore sincerely hope that the honourable AG will revisit the investigation papers and direct the police to further investigate the case, if necessary, against both of them, in the interest of justice,” Lingam said.

Lingam pointed out that the authorities must protect all races and faiths under the 3R (race, religion, royalty) framework, given how Malaysia is a multiracial and multireligious country.

“We verily believe that the AG has the sole discretion not to prosecute, but it should be exercised judicially, without any fear or favour, by the honourable AG,” he added.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said yesterday said the AGC decided not to prosecute Zamri and Firdaus due to a lack of evidence.

She said the AGC came to this conclusion after the police sent their investigation paper on the preachers to it.

“Based on the response from AGC, there is insufficient evidence to prove the elements of an offence under any legal provision to prosecute the two individuals mentioned in court,” she said in a written parliamentary response to Jelutong MP RSN Rayer.

Explain decision

Unimpressed with the decision not to charge Zamri and Firdaus, the MIC reminded the government that the 3R principle is not a legal tool to defend the sanctity of only one religion.

Party president SA Vigneswaran said the 3R principle exists to preserve religious harmony, public order, and social cohesion across all communities in Malaysia.

He pointed out that enforcing the 3R rule when only one particular race or religion is affected, while ignoring the plight of other communities, reflects a dangerous and unacceptable double standard.

Taking the AGC to task, Vigneswaran also demanded that the agency explain its decision, adding that the process lacked transparency and risked being seen as biased.

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