The Malaysian Insight

Police arrested controversial preacher Dr Zamihan Mat Zin today, over his remarks about a Muslim-only launderette that were also critical of Johor royalty. 

He was held after giving police a statement at the Dang Wangi police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. 

Bukit Aman CID director Wan Ahmad Najmuddin Mohd confirmed the arrest and said Zamihan will be remanded tomorrow to assist police investigation under Section 4A of Sedition Act.

“Yes, I can confirm that he was arrested at 3.50pm at the Dang Wangi police headquarters,” Wan Ahmad Najmuddin told The Malaysian Insight in a text message.

Inspector General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun earlier today said Zamihan would be investigated for sedition over a lecture in which he criticised the Johor sultan’s decree against Muslim-only launderettes in the southern state.

Fuzi said one report had been filed in connection with the case.

A video of  Zamihan speaking out against the royal decree is currently making the rounds on social media.

In the video, reported to be of a religious lecture on Sunday in Shah Alam, Zamihan said it was “not right” to ban such launderettes.

Zamihan, a Prisons Department religious officer who was formerly an officer of the Malaysian Islamic Development Department, has denied that his remarks were critical of or insulting to the Johor ruler.

Zamihan defended his right to share his personal views on the need for Muslims to remain “pure” by not mixing their laundry with that of non-Muslims, whom he called “unhygienic”. He also said the Chinese did not wash themselves after going to the toilet and that they were synonynous with pigs, dogs and alcohol.

“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 have 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 matter of his lecture. – October 11, 2017.