Ustaz held over video remarks against Hindus
New Straits Times – 4 hours ago
PRIYA PUBALAN news@nst.com.my
BUKIT MERTAJAM: POLICE yesterday detained Ustaz Shahul Hameed Seeni Mohd over the insensitive remarks he allegedly uttered in a video clip that went viral several days back.
He was picked up from his house in Teluk Kumbar at 8.30am yesterday and had his statement recorded at the Bandar Perda police statement before being released on police bail.
Four hours after being detained, Shahul Hameed made a second public apology to Hindus and pleaded for the police reports made against him to be withdrawn.
Penang police chief Datuk Abdul Rahim Hanafi said the matter was being investigated under section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act 1948. Shahul Hameed made his second apology during a press conference in Bandar Perda Mosque.
He said he regretted his statement and pleaded with the Indian community to forgive him.
“I am very sorry for the words I uttered. I have no intention of causing discord among Malaysians. Please forgive me. I promise that it will never happen again.”
Some 400 police reports have been lodged against him as of yesterday. Most were from Indians who said they were distressed and humiliated by Shahul Hameed’s remarks.
“I hope those who had lodged police reports will accept my apologies and withdraw them.
“I hope no one will take legal action against me. Please give me a chance. I will never do this again,” said Shahul Hameed.
He said he had received death threats via phone calls and text messages over the past two days.
Pas National Unity Committee chairman Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa said Shahul Hameed’s insensitive remarks did not represent the party, but were his personal views.
“I hope this issue will not be blown out of proportion or politicised.”
Mujahid said it was beyond his capacity to initiate disciplinary action against Shahul Hameed as this fell under the purview of the state party committee.
Shahul Hameed came under fire after a video clip of him went viral.
The clip, taken during a talk, allegedly showed Shahul Hameed making provocative and racist remarks directed at Hindus.
He was bombarded on his Facebook page by netizens. He later uploaded a video clip to apologise for making the remarks.
