CONTROVERSIAL independent preacher Zamri Vinoth has insisted that a planned rally against what he described as “illegal” temples will proceed as scheduled, despite calls from the government for the gathering to be called off.
In a Facebook post, Zamri urged his supporters to turn up for the protest, which is set to take place at 8pm on Sunday, Feb 8, in front of Sogo Kuala Lumpur.
“Don’t be fooled by their propaganda and tactics. We will fight intruders,” he said, confirming that the rally remains on schedule.
Zamri has previously stated that the gathering would be a peaceful assembly aimed at upholding the rule of law and opposing the crime of trespass.
The Star cited that he also claimed that the assembly is being organised in accordance with legal provisions and has no connection to any particular race or religion.
His remarks came after the Home Ministry announced that police would meet with the organisers to persuade them to cancel the protest.
The ministry cited security concerns in light of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Malaysia, which begins on Sunday.
“We urge members of the public not to hold or participate in any public gathering throughout the period of the visit,” the ministry said in a statement.
The rally is being organised by a coalition of approximately 141 non-governmental organisations and is intended to pressure authorities to take action against unauthorised houses of worship.
Several Indian community leaders have called for restraint, while police reports have been lodged in an effort to prevent the assembly from proceeding.
Government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would not allow any party to jeopardise national security during the high-profile diplomatic visit.
Zamri has rejected any suggestion that the rally is linked to Modi’s visit, describing the timing as purely coincidental.
The issue of temple land status remains a sensitive subject in Malaysia, often involving long-standing places of worship established by estate workers during the British colonial era.
Former Malaysia Hindu Sangam president A. Vaithilingam has previously explained that many old temples were built decades ago in areas that have since undergone extensive urban development. - February 7, 2026
