“I don’t blame the police, but this is happening due to a political reality that allows Muslims to be bullied,” said Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, in remarks defending Muhammad Zamri Vinoth Kalimuthu, who was arrested early yesterday in Arau, Perlis, over remarks allegedly insulting Hinduism.

But Asri said Zamri was someone who worked to strengthen religious harmony by organising visits to non-Muslim places of worship.

Zamri, who heads Muslim propagation organisation One Centre Malaysia, is being investigated under Section 298A of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act over a lecture at a mosque in Kelantan last year.

Asri said Zamri was only sharing his personal experience of becoming a Muslim to a Muslim audience.

“Were his facts false? Was he insulting or merely sharing his own story? What about the speeches of politicians of other faiths which always spark friction with Muslims,” Asri asked.

Asri said current “political realities” allowed Muslims to be bullied, adding that authorities had not acted against government leaders who made statements offensive to Muslims.

“Many statements insulting Muslims were made by individuals who are part of the current government, creating racial tension, but they were only called to give a statement,” said Asri.