Controversial Muslim preacher Zamri Vinoth Kalimuthu has insisted that his planned rally tonight at the Sogo shopping complex will go ahead. - Social media pic, February 7, 2026
‘Even if I’m arrested or killed… the rally is still on’: Zamri Vinoth
Controversial preacher vows to press ahead with 'illegal houses of worship' rally despite threats of arrest
Sandru Narayanan
Updated 54 seconds ago
7 February, 2026
6:18 PM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR – Controversial Muslim preacher Zamri Vinoth Kalimuthu has insisted that his planned rally tonight at the Sogo shopping complex will go ahead, even if he faces arrest or death.
Speaking to reporters during a press conference at Central Market today, Zamri accused the authorities of repeatedly intimidating him.
“I have been harassed, and authorities have threatened to detain me over this rally,” he said.
Describing himself as a victim of state pressure, he added, “Apparently, I am just a Mu’alaf (a new convert), someone without knowledge or influence. Yet, I am a citizen with a voice that I intend to raise here.”
Despite the threats, Zamri remained resolute about leading the rally.
“If I am detained, as they have indicated, it will only strengthen the cause against police misconduct. The people must rise to oppose this injustice. Tonight’s gathering will proceed, regardless of whether I am arrested or even killed,” he declared.
Zamri reiterated that the rally’s purpose was to uphold the law and was not intended to target any particular race or faith.
“This initiative is not designed to provoke anyone. Its sole aim is to encourage adherence to legal obligations. Promoting righteousness cannot be wrong,” he asserted.
The preacher strongly denied claims that he was inciting Malays or engaging in political activity.
“I have no political authority. I am not a politician. I am just an ordinary citizen who loves this country. I am not Malay, and this is not a Malay issue. It does not pertain to any one community or religion,” he said.
Zamri explained that the rally, which involves more than 140 NGOs, would focus on defending the rule of law, national sovereignty, Islam as the official religion, Malay as the national language, and land rights.
“We cannot give in to criminals who have unlawfully seized property,” he said.
Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim warned that those attending rallies against so-called “illegal” houses of worship would face arrest and removal if they breached the law or caused public disturbances.
Anwar reminded Malaysians that the right to express opinions must remain within legal boundaries and urged against stirring up racial or religious tensions.
He also cautioned against using sensitive issues surrounding places of worship as a means of undermining national harmony.
Kuala Lumpur police confirmed that the rally near Sogo would not be authorised due to public safety concerns. Police Chief Datuk Fadil Marsus stated that the organisers, including Zamri, would be in violation of a Home Ministry directive if the event proceeded, despite repeated calls for its cancellation.
The demonstration, led by Zamri and a coalition of groups, aims to pressure authorities into addressing what participants argue are “illegal” houses of worship. – February 7, 2026
‘Even if I’m arrested or killed… the rally is still on’: Zamri Vinoth
Controversial preacher vows to press ahead with 'illegal houses of worship' rally despite threats of arrest
Sandru Narayanan
Updated 54 seconds ago
7 February, 2026
6:18 PM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR – Controversial Muslim preacher Zamri Vinoth Kalimuthu has insisted that his planned rally tonight at the Sogo shopping complex will go ahead, even if he faces arrest or death.
Speaking to reporters during a press conference at Central Market today, Zamri accused the authorities of repeatedly intimidating him.
“I have been harassed, and authorities have threatened to detain me over this rally,” he said.
Describing himself as a victim of state pressure, he added, “Apparently, I am just a Mu’alaf (a new convert), someone without knowledge or influence. Yet, I am a citizen with a voice that I intend to raise here.”
Despite the threats, Zamri remained resolute about leading the rally.
“If I am detained, as they have indicated, it will only strengthen the cause against police misconduct. The people must rise to oppose this injustice. Tonight’s gathering will proceed, regardless of whether I am arrested or even killed,” he declared.
Zamri reiterated that the rally’s purpose was to uphold the law and was not intended to target any particular race or faith.
“This initiative is not designed to provoke anyone. Its sole aim is to encourage adherence to legal obligations. Promoting righteousness cannot be wrong,” he asserted.
The preacher strongly denied claims that he was inciting Malays or engaging in political activity.
“I have no political authority. I am not a politician. I am just an ordinary citizen who loves this country. I am not Malay, and this is not a Malay issue. It does not pertain to any one community or religion,” he said.
Zamri explained that the rally, which involves more than 140 NGOs, would focus on defending the rule of law, national sovereignty, Islam as the official religion, Malay as the national language, and land rights.
“We cannot give in to criminals who have unlawfully seized property,” he said.
Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim warned that those attending rallies against so-called “illegal” houses of worship would face arrest and removal if they breached the law or caused public disturbances.
Anwar reminded Malaysians that the right to express opinions must remain within legal boundaries and urged against stirring up racial or religious tensions.
He also cautioned against using sensitive issues surrounding places of worship as a means of undermining national harmony.
Kuala Lumpur police confirmed that the rally near Sogo would not be authorised due to public safety concerns. Police Chief Datuk Fadil Marsus stated that the organisers, including Zamri, would be in violation of a Home Ministry directive if the event proceeded, despite repeated calls for its cancellation.
The demonstration, led by Zamri and a coalition of groups, aims to pressure authorities into addressing what participants argue are “illegal” houses of worship. – February 7, 2026
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