Zamihan, who is a Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) officer, had criticised Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar for rebuking the operator of a Muslim-only laundrette in Muar. Zamihan had also made derogatory remarks concerning the hygiene of Chinese Malaysians.

Gerakan Hapus Akta Hasutan (GHAH) coordinator Amir Abd Hadi said although the movement condemned Zamihan’s “ugly statement”, it opposed the use of the Sedition Act on him or any other individual.

“GHAH agrees there are limits on freedom of expression, but the act is outdated. There are other acts in the Penal Code. It (the Sedition Act) is regressive and humiliating,” he said in a statement.

Amir also reiterated GHAH’s demand that the Sedition Act be abolished. He said all charges made under the act should be dropped, and the prisoners freed without any replacement legislation.

Lawyer Syahredzan Johan meanwhile said on Twitter that he believed in the right of individuals.

“Zamihan has the right to his opinion. Though we do not like it, he should still be allowed to say. Do not arrest him,” he said.

Syahredzan added that those who profess moderate thoughts and believe in individual rights should be consistent with their convictions.

Earlier today, Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun said Zamihan would be investigated for sedition, adding that a police report had been lodged against him.

Zamihan, in a religious talk that was uploaded on YouTube, had criticised Sultan Ibrahim for ordering the laundrette in Muar to cease its Muslim-only policy last month.

He also claimed that non-Muslims and the Chinese, in particular, were unclean as they wiped themselves with toilet paper after using the toilet.

He also raised concerns over menstrual blood on their undergarments, adding that they hugged dogs, drank alcohol and ate pork.

He denied being rude to Sultan Ibrahim but nonetheless issued an apology to the ruler.

He also lashed out at the media, claiming he had been slandered and threatened legal action.