Two organisers held for remand while 18 others freed on bail following pre-emptive detentions at Sogo compound.
PETALING JAYA: Two key figures behind a planned demonstration in Kuala Lumpur have been placed under remand following their pre-emptive detention, while 18 other individuals arrested in connection with the gathering have been released on police bail.
Zamri Vinoth, coordinator of the Gerakan Anti Rumah Anutan Haram (GARAH) also known as Anti-Illegal Houses of Worship Movement, and co-organiser Tamim Dahri Abdul Razak were retained for the remand process after authorities detained a total of 20 people prior to last night’s proposed rally.
Lawyer Haniff Khatri Abdulla, who was among those initially arrested, confirmed the developments to Malaysiakini. He stated that while the majority of detainees were released around 3am after providing statements, the two organisers remained in custody.
“A total of 20 individuals were detained before yesterday’s rally, including myself.
“After the police took our statements, 18 individuals were released on police bail at around 3am. However, the police detained Zamri and Tamim for the remand process today,” Haniff explained.
The lawyer acknowledged the professional conduct of junior officers during the detention period but directed criticism toward senior police leadership responsible for ordering the arrests.
“I thank the lower-ranking police officers who gave good treatment. The issue is simply the top-ranking officers who gave the orders,” he remarked.
Law enforcement began apprehending suspected rally participants at the Sogo shopping complex compound as early as 8pm yesterday evening. The individuals were believed to be intending to participate in a demonstration opposing what organizers termed “illegal houses of worship.”
Substantial police deployment, including anti-riot units, secured the vicinity around Sogo and Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru to prevent assembly. Dang Wangi district police chief Sazalee Adam issued a formal dispersal order between 8:30pm and 9pm after crowd numbers exceeded 100 people.
Among those detained alongside Zamri, Haniff, and Tamim were several prominent figures including Bersatu Hulu Langat Information chief Shafiq Abdul Halim, Ummah Malacca chairperson Hisyamuddin Abu Bakar, and Muslim Consumer Association Malaysia (PPIM) activist Gulab Jan Fazal Elad.
The detention list also included NGO Prowaris member Iskandar Khoo Kuan Yiaw and multiple anti-illegal houses of worship activists: Jamalee Bashah, Fatimah Mat Raji, Elza Nadiah Shaik Sulaiman, Jurasmadi Pauzi, Esma Hisham Zainol Nor, and Monashofian Putra Zulkarnain Indra Putra.
Prior to the planned gathering, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim delivered a strong warning that authorities would take “maximum action,” including arrests, against any party attempting to undermine national stability and security, particularly during the visit of foreign dignitaries.
The prime minister emphasized that while the government respects criticism and free expression rights, actions violating national legislation or provoking racial discord would face consequences.
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail had also called for cancellation of the rally to maintain public safety. He clarified that despite amendments to the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 eliminating police permit requirements, authorities retain power to act against gatherings threatening public order and security.
In a separate incident, police detained two Urimai party leaders who had planned to organize an alternative rally near India Gate in Brickfields. Hindu Temple Task Force Coalition adviser Satees Muniandy verified this information when contacted by the newsportal.
