KUALA LUMPUR – About 20 members of the Indian community and civil society group Global Human Rights Federation (GHRF) have gathered in front of the Sentul district police headquarters tonight to voice their objections against a police officer, who allegedly made disparaging comments about certain religions.
This came after Rajeswary Appahu, 29, went to the station earlier today to lodge a report against Moroccan influencer Abdellatif Ouisa, who uploaded a TikTok video of him reciting Quranic verses in front of the Lord Murugan statue at Batu Caves.
However, she told Scoop that the police officer taking her report was talking offensively about other religions.
Rajeswary also lodged a separate report against celebrity chef Datuk Redzuawan Ismail, better known as Chef Wan, for likening former Miss World and renowned international actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s dress at the Cannes Film Festival to a “kavadi.”
She added that the report was made against the 65-year-old chef since his comment touched on 3R (race, religion, and royalty) issues.
When met outside the police station, Rajeswary said the officer was taken to another room by another police officer, and that the interaction was caught by the CCTV camera.
“I am a Malaysian seeking help from the police to catch those who insulted my religion. We did not insult anyone, please do not do the same to us.”
She added that she lodged the police report since there was no response from the Batu Caves temple’s management over Abdellatif’s actions.
“I have made some calls to the (temple’s management) office and there was no response. I also dropped by the office but no one was there.”
Meanwhile, GHRF president Shashi Kumar, who was there to show support, said the Moroccan influencer should be banned from entering Malaysia as he triggered religious sentiments here.
He also urged the police to take an immediate action against Abdellatif as he did something similar at a Buddhist temple in Genting Highlands.
“Someone like him is a threat to our national unity. The police have to view it seriously and take action,” he said, adding that more reports will be made against Abdellatif on Saturday.
He also condemned the “rude” behaviour of the police officer who first took Rajeswary’s report.
Not only did the officer refuse to apologise, Shashi said the police should carry out their duties professionally without “lecturing” anyone.
The crowd dispersed just after midnight without further incidents.
Earlier, the police urged the public to step forward and file a report regarding Abdellatif to facilitate further investigation into the incident. – May 24, 2024