KUALA LUMPUR – Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran has urged independent preacher Zamri Vinoth and activist Tamim Dahri to return to Malaysia, stressing that those with nothing to hide should not remain overseas.
“I urge them to return to Malaysia if they have done nothing wrong. They should face the investigation and the course of justice. Why are they afraid? That only raises questions about whether they have something to hide,” he told reporters after flagging off around 700 high-powered motorcycles during the Unity Ride 2.0 event at the Sri Subramaniar Temple in Ipoh today.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail had confirmed on Friday that both men were believed to have fled to Thailand. Police investigations into their actions have concluded, with authorities recommending charges against them.
Zamri was investigated over a statement linked to the organisation of a gathering at the Sogo complex on February 7, while Tamim is alleged to have damaged a soolam — a sacred symbol in the Hindu religion — at the former site of the Sri Maha Muniswarar temple in Langkawi, Kedah.
Kulasegaran called on the police to work with Thai authorities to secure the men’s return.
“Our police should engage with the relevant authorities in Thailand to apprehend them and bring them back. I believe the Malaysian police and their Thai counterparts share strong cooperation, and both countries maintain frequent national engagements. We are close and amicable neighbours,” he said.
He added that justice must ultimately prevail.
“They have caused considerable concern and security issues for the country and should not escape accountability. They may hide for now, but they cannot run forever. It is only a matter of time before they are apprehended,” Kulasegaran said.
On a broader note, the deputy minister emphasised the government’s duty to protect the rights and needs of all communities in Malaysia.
“We are a multicultural and multilingual country, and everyone should be accommodated as much as possible, as long as no one demeans another religion,” he said.
Kulasegaran noted that many Hindu temples in the country existed even before independence but were never granted land titles despite being allowed to operate. He welcomed the Perak government’s initiative to set up a committee to ensure no temples are demolished without proper notification.
“The committee will assist with relocation or address any issues that arise,” he said. - March 14, 2026
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