Preacher picked up by police over alleged derogatory remark

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BUKIT MERTAJAM: Muslim preacher Shahul Hameed Seeni Mohd was picked up by the police yesterday over a derogatory remark he had allegedly made against Hindus.

He was brought to the Seberang Perai Tengah district police headquarters at about 9am and released about four hours later after a statement was recorded.

Penang police chief Datuk Abdul Rahim Hanafi, when contacted, confirmed this.

It is learnt that Shahul Hameed was released on police bail and that the case is being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act and Section 233(1) of the Communications and Multimedia Act.

Following his release, Shahul Hameed made an open apology to Hindus in the country.

He said he was also prepared to meet Indian community leaders and apologise for the incident.

He said it was not his intention to hurl insults or raise racial sentiments, and that he would not repeat it.

Shahul Hameed said he hoped that all police reports against him over the matter would be withdrawn, no action would be taken against him and he would be given the opportunity to improve himself.

In Kuala Lumpur, MIC Youth yesterday advised Hindus not to overreact to the alleged remarks by Shahul Hameed.

Its secretary, Arvind Krishnan, said all sides should leave the matter to the police and other relevant authorities.

“Such irresponsible people should be brought to face the law and, at the same time, the Indian community is advised not to overreact to his disparaging remarks,” he told a press conference at the party headquarters.

He said MIC Youth hoped that the Indian community would react in a mature way in handling the issue, so as to maintain social harmony in the
country.

In George Town, representatives of the MIC, PPP and several Hindu NGOs yesterday lodged a police report against Shahul Hameed for allegedly making the provocative and racist remarks directed at Hindus during a talk.

A video clip of Shahul Hameed making the alleged remarks was uploaded on YouTube, after which a clip of him apologising was also circulated. — Bernama