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THE Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is currently investigating a Facebook post re-uploaded by Zamri Vinoth after it was initially removed by the platform yesterday.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil confirmed that he had instructed the country's internet regulatory agency to look into the issue and will act based on their findings.
“MCMC has not yet reported any actions taken in response to the individual re-uploading the content that had previously been taken down,” Fahmi said in a statement to the press after an iftar event in Kuala Lumpur last night.
He added: “If Meta (Facebook’s parent company) agrees that the content violates either the law or community guidelines of the platform, the content will be removed again. So, we (the government) will follow up with actions based on the results of MCMC’s investigation.”
The post in question, made by Zamri, was reportedly a comparison between the kavadi bearers during the Thaipusam festival and individuals who are either possessed or intoxicated. The post was removed by Facebook on Sunday, but Zamri reportedly re-uploaded it to his Facebook account shortly afterward.
This re-uploading of the controversial post has sparked public outrage, prompting RSN Rayer, the Member of Parliament for Jelutong, to call on authorities to act and arrest Zamri.
Fahmi also emphasized that the government is committed to addressing the issue, with further actions contingent on the findings from MCMC’s investigation.
Yesterday, MIC Deputy President Datuk Seri M. Saravanan announced that he has decided not to proceed with his planned debate against independent preacher Zamri Vinoth.
The Tapah MP stated that his decision was made with the best interests of national harmony in mind. "I have discussed it and decided not to continue with the debate in the interest of national harmony," he told reporters during a press conference on Tuesday, March 11.
This comes after National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang expressed his stance on Monday, March 10, stating that religious debates should be halted if they serve only to create division rather than promote unity. – March 12, 2025