[UPDATED] Police arrest author Uthaya Sankar over ‘polygamy’ Facebook post

KUALA LUMPUR – Bukit Aman will apply for a remand order against writer Uthaya Sankar S.B. following his arrest today over a Facebook post that allegedly insulted Prophet Muhammad.

In a statement, Criminal Investigations Department chief Datuk Seri Abd Jalil Hassan said the application, under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code, will be made tomorrow.

Jalil, who confirmed Uthaya’s arrest, said the 50-year-old was nabbed from his house in Taman Sri Muda, Shah Alam, this morning before being brought to Bukit Aman for questioning.

The senior police official said the writer’s iPhone and SIM card were also seized.

Jalil said the offending post by Uthaya was uploaded last week on April 7.

He added the author is being investigated under Section 298A of the Penal Code on statements touching on religious sensitivities and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for misuse of network facilities and services.

“Investigations are well underway, and police have advised the public against making any speculation that compromises the probe.

“Police also advise the public to remain vigilant and cautious on issues that touch on religious and racial sensitivities.”

Jalil also urged the public to be wise and courteous social media users, and not use the platforms involved to create public disharmony.

Earlier, Uthaya was called by Bukit Aman for questioning in relation to a Facebook post that touched on polygamy and the Prophet Muhammad.

This morning Uthaya said he was brought to the police station in Taman Sri Muda, Shah Alam in relation to the posting he allegedly made on April 8.

He added that he was brought to the station due to a report filed at Bukit Aman.

“I am being brought to Bukit Aman. Because of this posting,” he told The Vibes, sharing the screenshot of the status he uploaded on the social media site.

“I may be detained, or released on bail. Is there a lawyer who will come?”

The post under investigation was in relation to a Malaysiakini article about actor Iman Zulkarnain advising men against practicing polygamy unless they were truly capable of supporting multiple spouses.

The posting had yet to be taken down at the time of writing.

Uthaya – who recently published a retelling of the Hindu scripture Bhagavad Gita in Bahasa Malaysia – had lambasted Iman as “weak” and suggested he follow the Sunnah (traditions and practices) of the prophet.

In another comment on Facebook, Uthaya said he was being questioned by an inspector in Bukit Aman.

In May last year, Uthaya, who has published dozens of books in Bahasa Malaysia for more than two decades, said his version of the Bhagavad Gita had created a mild stir among the Indian community although a majority of them supported his efforts. – The Vibes, April 11, 2022