KUALA LUMPUR — The longer the police allow controversial preacher Zamri Vinoth Kalimuthu to continue unchecked, the more he will undermine Malaysia’s harmony by stirring racial and religious sentiments, warned MIC strategy director Datuk Sivarraajh Chandran.
Sivarraajh was responding to a planned protest rally on Saturday in Kuala Lumpur by a coalition of more than 140 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) against alleged illegal places of worship, an event coordinated by Zamri under the Anti-Illegal Places of Worship Movement.
Speaking to Scoop, Sivarraajh said the authorities must act firmly and decisively, stressing that the issue had crossed from a legal dispute into a dangerous 3R (race, religion and royalty) provocation.
“The police must take severe action. This is a very sensitive matter. We are living in a harmonious country, so why deliberately stir racial and religious issues?” he said.
According to Sivarraajh, more than 900 police reports had previously been lodged against Zamri, yet no clear decision or firm action had been taken so far.
“What he is doing is destroying Malaysian unity. He is turning legal land issues into racial and religious disputes for his own popularity and fame,” he said.
Deal through legal channels
Sivarraajh, who is also a senator in the Dewan Negara, stressed that disputes involving land and places of worship should be resolved strictly through legal channels.
“If a temple is built on private land, and the owner has clearly said the land must be reclaimed, then follow the legal process. Relocate the temple. That is fair,” he said.
“But organising a protest and bringing large crowds only inflames emotions. That is unnecessary and dangerous.”
He warned that such mobilisation could have serious consequences in ethnically mixed areas, citing Kampung Medan as an example.
“Look at places like Kampung Medan, where Malay and Indian communities live together. What happens if people start provoking one another?” he asked.
“When something goes wrong, who will take responsibility? This is a very thin line we are walking.”
Sivarraajh questioned why the authorities were still allowing the rally to proceed, arguing that preventive action was crucial when dealing with race and religion.
“The police have handled far bigger threats. This is not beyond them. When it comes to race and religion, you cannot afford to wait,” he said.
He also raised concern over the timing of the rally, which coincides with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Malaysia on February 7 and 8 at the invitation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“Reports will definitely reach Modi that there is a protest against temples taking place here. What image does that give of Malaysia?” he asked.
“India is an important trade partner and we have long-standing bilateral ties. Allowing this rally to go ahead can tarnish those relations and give the impression that our race relations are fragile.”
Yesterday, Jelutong MP RSN Rayer (DAP) also called for action to be taken against individuals such as Zamri, while MIPP — the sole Indian-based party within Perikatan Nasional — urged its allies PAS and Bersatu to bar their members from attending the rally.
Can spark racial and religious tension
Separately, Gerakan vice-president Datuk Parameswaran Ganason echoed calls for firm government action, warning that the rally had the potential to spark racial and religious tension.
“Although the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 strengthens the right to assemble peacefully, it must not be misused as a platform to provoke sensitive racial and religious issues,” he said when contacted.
Parameswaran added that issues involving places of worship must be addressed comprehensively, taking into account historical context, settlement factors and community harmony.
He said there was growing unease within the Indian community over actions perceived as belittling the beliefs of others, and questioned the lack of swift enforcement against 3R provocations.
“Rallies like this will only pour oil on the fire and deepen feelings of marginalisation,” he said, urging dialogue and mutual understanding as the best way forward.
It was reported that Zamri confirmed that police had been informed of the rally in accordance with the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, adding that about 141 NGOs were expected to participate in the gathering scheduled to begin at 8pm.
Scoop reported that Kuala Lumpur police have yet to approve the rally as of February 5, saying authorities are still reviewing the organisers’ submission to ensure strict conditions are met and that the event will not inflame racial or religious tensions. – February 5, 2026