PUTRAJAYA — Four individuals who issued statements that sparked a provocative debate on religious and racial issues will be charged in separate courts in several locations today morning, said Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail.
The charges involve charges against Anti-Illegal Houses (GARAH) Rally Coordinator Zamri Vinoth at the Kuala Lumpur Magistrate’s Court, Tamim Dahri (Langkawi Magistrate’s Court, Kedah), P. Mahendra Bhoopaty (Seremban Magistrate’s Court, Negeri Sembilan) and activist D. Arumugam or Arun Dorasamy at the Jawi Magistrate’s Court, Penang.
Speaking at a press conference here today, he confirmed that the investigation into the four individuals concerned had been completed with the investigation papers being referred separately to the Attorney General’s office and the State Director of Public Prosecutions in line with the provisions of Article 145 (3) of the Federal Constitution.
Mohd Khalid said the investigation into Zamri Vinoth was in relation to a statement about organising a rally in the Sogo Complex compound in the capital on Feb 7.
He said the charge would be brought under Section 505 (b) of the Penal Code, which is a statement that causes public treason with the intent to cause or is likely to cause public fear or alarm.
The investigation against Tamim is related to the act of damaging the “soolam” which is a sacred symbol of the Hindu religion at the old site of the Sri Maha Muniswarar Temple in Langkawi, Kedah, which will be charged under Section 295 of the Penal Code, which is damaging or desecrating any thing held sacred by any group of people with the intent to insult religion.
Meanwhile, Mahendra Bhoopathy and Arun face the same charge, which is under Section 505 (b) of the Penal Code.
“The investigation against Mahendra Bhoopathy is related to the statement accusing the Masjid Jamek Datuk Bandar Haji Ahmad Rasah, Seremban of being an unlawful mosque, while the investigation against Arun is related to the statement calling for the Malaysian Hindu Religious Association to hold a street protest if no action is taken against Zamri Vinoth,” he said.
In the same development, Mohd Khalid said his party had intelligence information that Tamim was believed to have left the country and was in a neighbouring country.
“We have intelligence information that he has gone to a neighbouring country, Thailand. From there we are still not sure where he is and further information is being obtained,” he said.
As for Zamri Vinoth, he said the police have initial information about his movements and believe that the individual may still be in the country.
“We have initial information that day (Zamri Vinoth), I believe he may be in the country and so far, we have received good cooperation from the individual,” he explained.
Mohd Khalid also stressed that his party will not compromise with any party involved in activities that could threaten public order and safety.
— BERNAMA
