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Explain ‘insufficient evidence' against Zamri and Firdaus, AGC told

MIC president SA Vigneswaran (left) said the AGC's decision not to prosecute independent preachers Zamri Vinoth (centre) and Firdaus Wong lacked transparency. PETALING JAYA : The MIC has urged the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) to explain how it concluded that there was insufficient evidence to charge independent preachers Zamri Vinoth and Firdaus Wong for allegedly making offensive remarks against non-Muslims. MIC president SA Vigneswaran said the decision raised concerns of inconsistency in enforcing the law, pointing out that nearly 900 police reports had been lodged against Zamri. He warned that inaction could create the perception of bias and embolden others to make similar remarks. 'The AGC must explain how (these cases involving) public (and allegedly) inflammatory remarks that triggered mass police reports are now deemed to lack sufficient evidence for prosecution. 'This decision lacks transparency, and risks being seen as biased. 'We urge the government and authorities to apply the law equally and to protect all Malaysians regardless of race and religion from targeted provocation,' he said in a statement. Vigneswaran maintained that laws on sentiments involving race, religion and royalty (3Rs) must be applied fairly and not be used selectively to protect certain groups. Earlier, law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said had said the AGC did not find enough evidence to prosecute Zamri or Firdaus over remarks they had allegedly made. She maintained that further investigations could be done if there were new developments since criminal cases were not subject to the statute of limitations. The Malaysia Hindu Sangam also urged the AGC to explain the decision not to prosecute the duo, saying it should clarify what constitutes 'sufficient evidence' to prosecute cases involving religious provocation. It said this would help restore trust in the legal process and prevent further division in Malaysia's multi-religious society. In March, Zamri was remanded over a Facebook post on the controversial relocation of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple in Kuala Lumpur. He was released the same day. Police reports were also lodged over past comments he had made about Hindu rituals, which were alleged to be offensive.