AGC rejects Zamri Vinoth’s bid to review charge over statement at KL rally

KUALA LUMPUR — The Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) has refused to consider an appeal from independent preacher Zamri Vinoth regarding a charge of disseminating a statement that could incite public alarm during a rally in Kuala Lumpur. Deputy Public Prosecutor Nur Farhana Mohamad Poad notified Magistrate Faezahnoor Hassan of the decision during recent court proceedings.

"The decision on the representation has been made, and we inform the court that the appeal has been declined," she stated. Zamri's attorney, Nur Shafiqah Shafiyah Omar, later requested the court to schedule trial dates. The prosecution plans to present six to seven witnesses in the case. The court subsequently set April 21 and 22 next year for the trial.

On March 17, Zamri, whose birth name is Muhammad Zamri Vinoth Kalimuthu, 42, was charged under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code (Act 574) for allegedly posting a statement on Facebook that could cause public alarm, inciting another person to commit an offence against public order. This happened on February 3 when the statement was viewed and heard by a 45-year-old man at a restaurant called Restoran Nasi Kandar Kudu on Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman.

The charge carries a potential punishment of up to two years in prison, a fine, or both if convicted. Outside the court, Nur Shafiqah informed reporters that the representation was filed to seek a review of the charge, including the potential for a reduction or an alternative outcome.