The Malaysian Insight

CONTROVERSIAL preacher Zamihan Mat Zin will be investigated under the Sedition Act for criticising the Johor Sultan over the Muslim-only launderette issue, said Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun.

Fuzi said the preacher has not been arrested but police will call him up soon to have his statement recorded.

Earlier today, Zamihan, A former government preacher and Prison Department religious officer, denied criticising the Sultan of Johor, saying that he was merely giving his personal views on the need for Muslims to have a separate launderette to keep themselves pure.

Fuzi said police have received one police report so far in connection to the case.

“That was only one report lodged yesterday. There could be more (report lodged) between yesterday and today. That I do not know. But all the investigation process will be followed including recording his( Zamihan) statement,” said Fuzi.

In a religious lecture on Sunday in Shah Alam, Zamihan Mat Zin allegedly said it was not the right of Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar to ban Muslim-only launderettes in his state.

Zamihan said he did not insult the sultan, and defended his right to share his personal views on the need for Muslims to remain religiously “clean” by not having their laundry mixed with those of non-Muslims, whom he termed as “unhygienic”.

“We, as Muslims, should defend our rights and principles. Non-Muslims can use Muslim-friendly launderettes but they have to take heed of our sensitivities,” Zamihan told The Malaysian Insight.

“We are an exemplary Muslim nation, a modern Islamic country and a good example. Why should a Muslim-only launderette be banned? Our prime minister is Muslim, our kings are Muslims, the majority of our people are Muslim, so why does such a launderette need to be shut down and be treated this way?”

Zamihan also welcomed Deputy Home Minister Nur Jazlan Mohamed’s statement that the government will launch an investigation into the incident.

“Firstly, anybody can come and investigate me. I am an honest officer, and I did not criticise or insult anybody in my speech,” he said.

“I was merely explaining my personal opinion, in support of Muslim launderettes to maintain purity. – October 11, 2017.