Tamim in Saudi, case postponed to May 17

2026-03-17 - 09:14

Activist Tamim Dahri Abdul Razak was to be charged in the Langkawi magistrates’ court today under Section 295 of the Penal Code for defiling a sacred object with the intention of insulting a religion. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA: Activist Tamim Dahri Abdul Razak, who was scheduled to be charged in court today for allegedly desecrating a sacred Hindu symbol, had his case postponed to May 17 after the Langkawi magistrates’ court was informed that he is currently in Saudi Arabia. During proceedings before magistrate Hemy Annerina Haja Mydin, deputy public prosecutor Khairul Anuar Halim sought at least two months to enable Tamim to be brought before the court, Utusan Malaysia reported. Khairul informed the court that Tamim had travelled to Riyadh via the Bangkok International Airport. However, Khairul said it remained unclear whether Tamim entered Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa or an umrah visa, which allows for different durations of stay. Magistrate Hemi Annerina subsequently fixed May 17 for the next mention of the case. Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail yesterday said the cops had tracked down Tamim in Thailand and were working with Thai authorities to repatriate the activist. “We will ensure that he returns to Malaysia to be charged,” Khalid said at a press conference in Putrajaya. He said Tamim is expected to be charged with desecrating the trishul, a sacred Hindu symbol, at an old temple in Langkawi, Kedah, on March 8. The charge, framed under Section 295 of the Penal Code for defiling a sacred object with the intention of insulting a religion, carries a penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both, upon conviction. Utusan Malaysia also reported that 192 police reports have been lodged against Tamim following a video showing him allegedly desecrating the trishul.