R Nadeswaran
Published: Mar 11, 2025 9:18 AM
Updated: 1:14 PM
COMMENT | At about 4.30am, two plainclothes police officer jumped over the gates of former journalist Sidek Kamiso’s house and banged on the door, demanding entry.
The two could not produce an arrest warrant despite Sidek’s repeated request. Before taking Sidek away, they took his laptop from the bedroom.
Sidek’s wife, Norlin Wan Musa, said it was appalling that anyone could just come in and “intimidate someone without an arrest warrant, in the safety of his/her home and take someone away.”
Then, opposition MP Jeff Ooi was also in the crosshairs, ordered to surrender at the Penang police station or be arrested.
What serious offence did the duo commit to warrant such treatment?
The police force, especially then inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar, said the arrests were made for “insulting Islam” after the death of PAS spiritual leader Haron Din the previous day.
In Ooi’s case, the police interpreted the Spanish word adios (goodbye) as derogatory.
The truth is that the police can be “super-efficient” if they choose. If it is argued that this incident occurred in September 2016 and the situation has changed, let’s look at a later case.
In March last year, Ricky Shane Cagampang, 33, pleaded guilty in the Kota Kinabalu Sessions Court to making a Facebook post deemed insulting to Islam concerning the sale of socks bearing the word Allah.
Published: Mar 11, 2025 9:18 AM
Updated: 1:14 PM
COMMENT | At about 4.30am, two plainclothes police officer jumped over the gates of former journalist Sidek Kamiso’s house and banged on the door, demanding entry.
The two could not produce an arrest warrant despite Sidek’s repeated request. Before taking Sidek away, they took his laptop from the bedroom.
Sidek’s wife, Norlin Wan Musa, said it was appalling that anyone could just come in and “intimidate someone without an arrest warrant, in the safety of his/her home and take someone away.”
Then, opposition MP Jeff Ooi was also in the crosshairs, ordered to surrender at the Penang police station or be arrested.
What serious offence did the duo commit to warrant such treatment?
The police force, especially then inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar, said the arrests were made for “insulting Islam” after the death of PAS spiritual leader Haron Din the previous day.
In Ooi’s case, the police interpreted the Spanish word adios (goodbye) as derogatory.
The truth is that the police can be “super-efficient” if they choose. If it is argued that this incident occurred in September 2016 and the situation has changed, let’s look at a later case.
In March last year, Ricky Shane Cagampang, 33, pleaded guilty in the Kota Kinabalu Sessions Court to making a Facebook post deemed insulting to Islam concerning the sale of socks bearing the word Allah.
The case was investigated, and the offender was arrested, got a nod from the Attorney-General’s Chambers, produced in court, convicted, and sent to prison - all in five days.
Velvet gloves for PAS
Last week, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail both claimed the police do not use favouritism or double standards in investigating cases related to race, religion, and royalty.
But on Sunday, Saifuddin told a different story.
He said that if Putrajaya is strict in enforcing laws involving the “3R” issues of religion, race, and royal institution, leaders from PAS would make up most of those implicated.
“I can confirm that if action were taken based on existing laws, many of (PAS secretary-general) Takiyuddin Hassan’s colleagues would be affected,” Sinar Harian quoted him as saying.
“If I or the police were to enforce provisions under the Penal Code, the (Communications and Multimedia Act), or other laws, they would be among the most frequently penalised,” he added.
So, he is confirming that members of the Islamic party are treated with velvet gloves and, above all, there is selective police action and prosecution.
Is this why no action has been taken against those making provocative statements touching the 3Rs?
Is Zamri untouchable too?
Is this why Muslim convert preacher Zamri Vinoth has not been touched and allowed to continue to taunt and mock the Hindu religion on social media?
Preacher Zamri Vinoth
Zamri last week said Hindus performing the Kavadi ritual “dance” are like those who are drunk or possessed.
After Meta removed his post on Sunday, he re-posted it later that night, claiming he did not need to be remorseful for his remarks as he only stated facts.
He defiantly wrote: “I only stated facts and truth. No court has decided that what I wrote insulted anyone nor has there been a ruling telling me to remove the post.”
Is this why he defies the government and its institutions with impunity?
Is this why calls by government MPs and ministers continue to fall on deaf ears? Is Zamri one of those “untouchables” like PAS leaders who can say anything and everything as if above the law?
This is not the first time Zamri has mocked, ridiculed, and scorned the Hindu religion and it will not be the last. He will continue his tirade unless he faces the full wrath of the law.
But when the police close the files on his cases and classify them as “NFA” (no further action), can we expect anything?
Anwar and Saifuddin cannot pull wool over our eyes and continue to say one thing and do another. They must ensure that the laws of the land are applied equally and fairly to all.
Zamri last week said Hindus performing the Kavadi ritual “dance” are like those who are drunk or possessed.
After Meta removed his post on Sunday, he re-posted it later that night, claiming he did not need to be remorseful for his remarks as he only stated facts.
He defiantly wrote: “I only stated facts and truth. No court has decided that what I wrote insulted anyone nor has there been a ruling telling me to remove the post.”
Is this why he defies the government and its institutions with impunity?
Is this why calls by government MPs and ministers continue to fall on deaf ears? Is Zamri one of those “untouchables” like PAS leaders who can say anything and everything as if above the law?
This is not the first time Zamri has mocked, ridiculed, and scorned the Hindu religion and it will not be the last. He will continue his tirade unless he faces the full wrath of the law.
But when the police close the files on his cases and classify them as “NFA” (no further action), can we expect anything?
Anwar and Saifuddin cannot pull wool over our eyes and continue to say one thing and do another. They must ensure that the laws of the land are applied equally and fairly to all.
R NADESWARAN is a veteran journalist who writes on bread-and-butter issues. Comments: citizen.nades22@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment