The Malaysian Insight

PREACHER Zamihan Mat Zin has been remanded for two days to facilitate investigations under the Sedition Act for allegedly criticising the Johor sultan’s ban on Muslim-only launderettes in the state.

The remand was given before noon at the Dang Wangi police headquarters, where Zamihan is being held.

It is understood that he was represented by several lawyers.

The case is being investigated by a special team from the federal police headquarters in Bukit Aman.

Lawyer Fakhrul Azman Abu Hasan said police had applied for a four-day remand, but were only granted two days.

“The number of days was reduced after I told the magistrate that my client has given full cooperation to police in this case.”

He said the penalty was light as it was not a serious criminal offence.

“It is not a heavy offence. Under the section, if found guilty, Zamihan may face a RM5,000 fine or five years’ imprisonment.”

The preacher was arrested after he had his statement recorded at the Dang Wangi police headquarters yesterday.

The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim), in a statement last night, confirmed that Zamihan was under its employment, but was seconded to the Prisons Department under the Home Ministry.

Checks on Jakim’s website showed that Zamihan was given the title of “Islamic affairs officer” and is attached to the Home Ministry’s publications and Quranic text control division.

Jakim director-general Othman Mustapha said it took seriously allegations that Zamihan had criticised the Johor sultan in a recent speech, which has been widely circulated online.

“Jakim called up Zamihan this morning (yesterday) for a detailed explanation on the matter. Jakim has decided to refer the matter to the disciplinary board for further action.”

Yesterday, Zamihan denied allegations that he had insulted Sultan Iskandar Sultan Ibrahim, and stressed that he never mentioned the ruler in his speech.

In a religious lecture on Sunday in Shah Alam, he had allegedly said it was not the right of Sultan Ibrahim to ban Muslim-only launderettes in Johor.

Zamihan said he did not insult the ruler, and defended his right to share his personal views on the need for Muslims to remain “clean” by not having their laundry mixed with that of non-Muslims, whom he said were “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?”

He also welcomed Deputy Home Minister Nur Jazlan Mohamed’s statement that the government would launch an investigation into the incident. – October 12, 2017.