THE Global Human Rights Federation (GHRF) has urged non-Muslims and the Orang Asli community to be firm against systemic discrimination and the government’s failure to address inflammatory remarks made by Islamic preachers.
Such move has become necessary given that despite numerous police reports filed against the errant preachers, those individuals were ultimately cleared with a ‘No Further Action’ (NFA) status by both the police and the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC), according to GHRF founder/president S. Shashi Kumar.
“GHRF has exhausted all diplomatic avenues and means to address the issue of hate speech and religious defamation.” he lamented after the screening of a 20-minute compilation video of seven Muslim preachers in Malaysia who had openly insulted various faiths to the media yesterday (March 19).
“We cannot permit the on-going insults to our faith and identity to go unchallenged. Since the government continues to be indifferent, we must firmly assert our rights through powerful protests and strategic voting.”
As it is, the NGO claimed that it has already handed over a memorandum to the relevant arthurites, including the National Palace in addition to having taken the matter to court in pursuit of justice.
“For now, we can only question the Home Ministry, National Unity Ministry and JAKIM (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia) on their inaction or highlight their double standards in addressing these critical issues,” added Shashi.
This urgent call for action is in response to increasing concerns regarding the authorities’ inaction over Muslim convert preacher Zamri Vinoth who faces nearly 900 police reports after he ignited outrage with disparaging remarks over the Hindu kavadi ritual
Aside from Zamri Vinoth, the other six preachers featured in GHRF’s video are Zakir Naik. Firdaus Wong Wai Hung, Ustaz Syakir Nasoha, Ustaz Idris Sulaiman, Ustaz Wadi Harun and Ustaz Fitri Abdullah.
The United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) deputy chairman David Marshel who was present at the media briefing has urged the Indian community to protest and campaign against the government in the run-up to the Ayer Kuning state by-election followed by the Johor and Melaka state polls.
Human rights activist and lawyer Siti Kasim urged Malaysians of all backgrounds to elect leaders who are committed to justice and accountability.
“We must exercise our power at the ballot box. Do not be deceived by politicians who offer empty promises but fail to take real action,” she reminded, – March 20, 2025
