KUALA LUMPUR – Bukit Aman’s classified crime investigation unit has taken over investigations into two separate reports against a foreign influencer and a local celebrity chef allegedly touching on race, religion and royalty (3R) sensitivities.
Sentul police chief Ahmad Sukarno Mohd Zahari confirmed with Scoop that the two reports were received last night, following which the case was passed on to the unit.
Yesterday, Scoop reported that a woman had lodged a police report against Moroccan influencer Abdellatif Ouisa over his TikTok video of him reciting Quranic verses on Islam’s prohibition against idolatry while standing in front of the Lord Muruga statue at Batu Caves.
The woman, 29-year-old Rajeswary Appahu, had also lodged a separate report against culinary artist Datuk Redzuawan Ismail, better known as Chef Wan, for likening globally-renowned actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s dress at the Cannes Film Festival to her carrying a “kavadi”.
When asked about allegations that the police officer who handled Rajeswary’s reports had made disparaging statements on certain religions, Ahmad Sukarno said the discussion between her and the officer in question was merely an “exchange of personal opinions”.
He noted that any member of the public is welcome to file a report if they are unsatisfied with an officer’s conduct during the execution of his duty.
“Both sides were stating their views (on the reports lodged). They weren’t arguing or anything of the sort.
“The group that gathered outside the (Sentul) police station were there because they were displeased about the issues (which Rajeswary had filed reports on).”
At around 10pm yesterday, about 20 members of the Indian community and civil society group Global Human Rights Federation gathered outside the Sentul district police headquarters after Rajeswary lodged the reports.
She told Scoop that the police officer who took her reports had spoken offensively about other religions, adding: “I am a Malaysian seeking help from police to catch those who insulted my religion. We did not insult anyone, please do not do the same to us.”
Responding to the outcry against his video, Abdellatif uploaded an apology video on TikTok, claiming he was unaware Lord Muruga is considered a god by Hindus while citing the influx of hateful messages he has received on social media.
He added that it was not his intention to “hurt” anyone with his recitation of the Quran.
Previously, online Dutch publication Alien Mag published an article accusing Abdellatif – who has a significant presence on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok – of sexually targeting recently converted or underage Muslim women.
Scoop has reached out to Abdellatif. – May 25, 2024