PETALING JAYA: Police have been instructed to file criminal charges against controversial preacher Zamri Vinoth and activist Tamim Dahri Abdul Razak, but both individuals are believed to have fled to Thailand, according to Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail.
Khalid said police are currently working with Thai authorities to track down the duo and ensure they are brought back to face the charges.
“They will be charged as soon as they are successfully located and return to Malaysia,” he said in a statement tonight.
According to Khalid, Zamri will be charged for making statements that allegedly caused public alarm and distress during a gathering outside the Sogo Kuala Lumpur in Kuala Lumpur on Feb 7.
The offence falls under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, which carries a penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both upon conviction.
Tamim, meanwhile, will face charges for allegedly desecrating the Trishul, a sacred Hindu symbol, at an old temple in Langkawi, Kedah.
He will be charged under Section 295 of the Penal Code for defiling a sacred object with the intention of insulting a religion. The offence also carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both upon conviction.
Khalid added that the Attorney-General’s Chambers had directed that both men be charged with the relevant offences.
Zamri is also expected to face a separate sedition charge in Penang over a statement in which he allegedly insulted the Indian community.
If convicted, the offence carries a penalty of a fine of up to RM5,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
The investigation papers have already been submitted to the Penang prosecution director.
“Police will always remain committed and will not compromise with any individual or group involved in activities that threaten public peace and safety,” Khalid said.
