AN activist facing charges related to alleged religious provocation has reportedly offered to return to Malaysia and surrender to authorities, but only on the condition that four disputed temples are demolished, in a development likely to intensify already sensitive interfaith tensions.
Tamim Dahri Abdul Razak is said to be prepared to hand himself over to the Royal Malaysia Police in the near future, according to a post circulating on social media platform Threads.
The post, shared by the account tanah.malaya, stated that the condition involves the demolition of four specific sites, identified as temples located along Jalan Pandanmas, at Hospital Bukit Mertajam, the old Seafield temple, and a site linked to Jakel.
"Why these four locations? That, everyone can think about for themselves," the post read.
The proposal comes as legal proceedings against Tamim Dahri remain pending.
A Magistrates’ Court in Langkawi earlier postponed his charge to 15 May after he was believed to be in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
He is expected to be charged under Section 295 of the Penal Code for allegedly damaging a soolam, a sacred symbol in Hinduism, at the former site of the Sri Maha Muniswarar Temple in Langkawi.
The case forms part of a wider investigation into religious tensions, with Mohd Khalid Ismail confirming that four individuals, including Zamri Vinoth and Arun Dorasamy, are to be charged in connection with alleged acts of provocation.
The two named in the case are Tamim Dahri himself and P. Mahendra Boopathy.
Amid rising tensions, representatives from Muslim and Indian non-governmental organisations convened a meeting earlier this week aimed at easing strains and seeking common ground over a series of disputes affecting both communities.
The activist’s conditional offer, however, underscores the fragility of those efforts, as authorities continue to pursue legal action while calls grow for broader dialogue and resolution of longstanding religious site issues.
Tamim Dahri Believed to Be in Saudi Arabia
In a new development, the Inspector-General of Police say Tamim Dahri is believed to have travelled to Saudi Arabia after initially leaving for Thailand.
Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said authorities have information indicating that Tamim may currently be in the Holy Land, and efforts are ongoing to establish his exact whereabouts.
“Our records show he had gone to Thailand, but we have also received information that he may currently be in the Holy Land.
“Action to charge him in court has already been taken, and when the time comes, we will take the necessary steps to bring him in to face the charges,” he told a press conference at Bukit Aman.
Authorities say efforts to locate and secure the suspect will continue as the case progresses through the legal process. - March 19, 2026
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