The DAP lawmaker said numerous police reports have been lodged nationwide against activist Tamim Dahri Abdul Razak after a viral video showed him stepping on an object alleged to be a trishul (trident) in Langkawi.

Noting that a university student was promptly arrested and charged last week for allegedly defiling the Quran, Rayer said any delay in arresting and charging Tamim would be seen as a double standard.

“The IGP and home minister must explain what action has been taken so far. Why the delay?” asked Rayer in a statement.

“The Federal Constitution and Penal laws must protect and preserve the sanctity of all religions.”

Tamim, who has been at the forefront of a campaign against allegedly illegal Hindu temples, claimed he was unaware that he desecrated a trishul, stating that he mistook the trident for a “rusty piece of metal”.

Tamim said he was in Langkawi a few days ago to relieve work stress. He said he was feeding some wild monkeys near a cave when he saw a sharp steel rod, and it did not occur to him that it was a religious symbol as the area was not a place of worship.

Indian community activist Umagandhan Krishnan countered Tamim’s version of events, stating that the trident is part of the Langkawi Shree Muniswarar Alayam temple.

In a Malaysiakini report, Umagandhan said the temple sits on private land owned by an automotive company.

Umagandhan also said a large signboard in the area states that it is temple land.