Zamri’s lawyer raises unequal treatment.
Independent preacher Muhammad Zamri Vinoth Kalimuthu pleaded not guilty in the Magistrates’ Court to a charge of making a statement that could cause public alarm through a Facebook post last month.
The 42-year-old, who arrived in handcuffs, was charged under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code before Magistrate Faezahnoor Hassan. The charge relates to a post allegedly made under the name “Zamri Vinoth” at around 12.22pm on February 3, which was seen by a complainant in Kuala Lumpur. If convicted, he faces up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Zamri briefly told reporters, “I hope we can all live in peace.”
During proceedings, the prosecution sought bail of RM10,000, citing ongoing investigations for over a month. However, the court set bail at RM4,500 with one surety and fixed April 29 for case mention and document submission.
A key issue raised was Zamri’s recent travel to Thailand. His lawyer, Muhammad Hariz Md Yusoff, denied claims that his client had fled the country, presenting passport records showing Zamri re-entered Malaysia on March 12.
“The statement from the IGP that my client fled the country is inaccurate. According to his passport, he re-entered Malaysia on March 12. The police statement came the following night,” Hariz said.
“He never fled, and his presence here shows he is fully cooperative.”
The defence added that Zamri’s trip to Thailand via the Sungai Golok border in Kelantan was for business and personal matters, including managing cross-border marriage arrangements with Islamic authorities in Perlis and Thailand. Counsel also cited Zamri’s responsibility for eight dependants, including five school-going children, and his ongoing “Long Covid” condition.
At a press conference later, Hariz alleged “double standards” in the authorities’ handling of his client, pointing to differences in treatment compared with activist Arumugam Dorasamy.
Arun, 56, also pleaded not guilty to a separate charge under Section 505(b) at the Jawi Magistrates’ Court. He is accused of posting a video on Instagram at about 3.45pm on March 12, 2025, at a shopping centre in Batu Kawan, Penang, allegedly calling for a protest if no action was taken against Zamri.
Hariz contrasted Zamri’s heavily escorted court appearance with Arun’s, noting the latter was seen accompanied by a deputy minister.
“It gives the impression that the executive is supporting that individual. That should not happen,” he said.
Arun’s case was heard before Magistrate Nurul Aina Ahmad, who set bail at RM5,000 with one surety. June 22 was fixed for mention of the case.
Both men face charges carrying a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both upon conviction.