Police detain rally organisers near Sogo, opening sedition and public alarm probes amid security concerns
PETALING JAYA: Three investigation papers have been opened against Zamri Vinoth, Anti-Illegal Houses of Worship Movement coordinator and Tamim Dahari Abdul Razak, founder of TanahMalaya.com, including under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948.
Yesterday, police arrested 19 individuals who participated in a gathering near the Sogo shopping centre, including Zamri and Tamim Dahari.
Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Datuk Fadil Marsus confirmed that the two organisers will be remanded for two days starting today, while 17 others involved in the rally were released on police bail.
“We carried out the arrests under Section 105 of the Criminal Procedure Code, referring to preventive justice to prevent anything worse from happening,” Fadil said at a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent Headquarters.
“A remand application for Zamri and Tamim Dahari will be made this morning at the Dang Wangi Police Headquarters.”
The rally went ahead despite police disallowing it over public safety concerns. Zamri had posted on social media that the event would continue at 8pm.
The organisers maintained that the assembly was peaceful and conducted in accordance with the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, while police said their role was to maintain security throughout the event.
Fadil added that Zamri and Tamim Dahari are also being investigated under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for statements likely to cause public alarm, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
The other 17 participants were detained under Section 105 for preventive action.
The police received prior notification of the gathering from the organisers, which included the Independent Preachers Association and several Islamic NGOs.
Intelligence reports and observations indicated that action was necessary to prevent the rally from continuing due to public safety concerns.
“We received reports from premises around the area citing potential threats, and we have opened investigations based on 130 police reports filed regarding the gathering,” Fadil said.
In addition, three men were detained in connection with sedition linked to the case, with investigations handled by the Klang North Police Station.
Police began detaining participants from around 8pm at the Sogo complex, with heavy security, including anti-riot units, deployed around Sogo and Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru.
A dispersal order was issued when the crowd exceeded 100 people. Among those detained were community and NGO activists.
Ahead of the planned rally, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim warned that authorities would take “maximum action” against attempts to undermine national stability, while Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail urged the rally’s cancellation on public safety grounds.
In a related development, two Urimai Party leaders planning an alternative rally near India Gate in Brickfields were also detained.