Activist behind temple demolition protest arrested for sedition

A 55-year-old activist, who works as a consultant, has been arrested in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, on suspicion of sedition, according to Kangar police chief Yusharifuddin Yusop. The man was detained at 10am on Thursday, following 14 reports received by Perlis police regarding posts on the activist's TikTok account between August 22 and 27.

The alleged post, featuring an image of the Perhimpunan Merah Maha Kali organization meeting at the Sri Veera Maha Kaliamman Kovil site in Bukit Lagi, Kangar, was held on August 30 from 9am to 11am. This gathering is suspected to have been a response to the temple's demolition by authorities on August 20, in accordance with the law. The activist is accused of attempting to incite the Hindu community to engage in actions that contradict existing laws and statutes.

The investigation is being conducted under the charges of sedition and improper use of network facilities. The gathering is also considered a dangerous incitement that could potentially trigger religious and racial riots in Perlis, as stated by Yusharifuddin.