Zamri Vinoth Rejects Claims He Fled Malaysia, Says He Is Ready to Assist Police Investigations
KUALA LUMPUR, March 14 — Preacher Zamri Vinoth has dismissed allegations that he has fled the country to evade authorities, stating that he remains willing to cooperate with police amid ongoing investigations involving alleged incitement and controversial public remarks.
Zamri addressed the issue in a Facebook post on Saturday, rejecting claims circulating online that he had gone into hiding to avoid law enforcement.
He maintained that he has no intention of running away and would cooperate with authorities if required.
According to Zamri, he is prepared to meet Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail personally if it becomes necessary to clarify the situation.
“I will meet the IGP myself if required. I am not fleeing and there is no reason for me to run,” he wrote in the social media statement.
In the same post, Zamri also questioned why he has been blamed in connection with several incidents involving alleged violence, including attacks, vehicle arson and property damage.
He denied having incited anyone to commit such acts and insisted that none of his supporters were involved in any form of violence.
“Why am I the only one being accused? What exactly did I do wrong? What did I incite?” he asked.
He further stressed that no one linked to him had attacked individuals, burned vehicles or vandalised homes.
Zamri also argued that there were others who had allegedly made provocative remarks but had not faced legal consequences.
He suggested that if authorities were pursuing legal action against him, similar measures should be applied to others who had made comparable statements.
His response came after Inspector-General of Police Mohd Khalid Ismail confirmed that both Zamri and activist Tamim Dahri were being sought by the police.
The police chief had earlier stated that both individuals were believed to have left the country and possibly entered Thailand.
Malaysian authorities are reportedly working with their Thai counterparts to locate the two individuals.
Investigations involving Zamri are linked to two separate cases.
One investigation relates to remarks he allegedly made during a rally held in Kuala Lumpur on February 7.
The case has been referred to the Attorney-General’s Chambers, which will determine whether charges should be filed under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for statements that could cause public mischief.
Another investigation concerns comments that allegedly insulted the Indian community.
The investigation paper for that case has been submitted to the Penang Prosecution Office, where prosecutors will consider potential charges under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948.
Meanwhile, a separate investigation involving activist Tamim Dahri concerns alleged damage to a soolam, a sacred symbol associated with the Hindu faith.
The incident reportedly occurred at an old temple site in Langkawi, Kedah.
Authorities have referred the case to the Kedah Prosecution Office, where prosecutors are considering possible charges under Section 295 of the Penal Code, which addresses acts that insult or defile places of worship.
Police have stated that legal proceedings against both individuals are expected to proceed once they are located and brought back to Malaysia.
The cases have attracted public attention due to their connection to sensitive issues involving religion, community relations and public speech.
Authorities have urged the public to allow investigations to proceed according to legal procedures and to avoid spreading unverified information that could escalate tensions.
-wilayah.com.my
