PETALING JAYA: A hashtag to show support for a young celebrity preacher who was arrested for allegedly committing sexual offences has mushroomed on social media today.
It is believed to be due to the court’s decision to extend a remand order for the preacher for another five days, starting today.
While the hashtag encouraged netizens to “stand with” the preacher, many were quick to express disagreement with the online support movement.
Twitter user @aida_roslin wrote: “I don’t know why but this hashtag is really disgusting.”
User @S_23 was puzzled as to why Malaysians still wanted to defend the preacher despite the rape allegations.
Meanwhile, @strawberryqmllk said some Malaysians were practising double standards by attacking the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community but were willing to defend an alleged rapist.
“What disgusts me is that most of the comments under his official statement on Instagram are positive.”
The preacher was arrested on Friday following a report lodged by the 23-year-old victim last Wednesday.
A police report was also lodged against him by a college student for allegedly outraging her modesty.
Selangor Criminal Investigation Department (CID) chief Fadzil Ahmat said the police have so far received six reports against the preacher, comprising five in Shah Alam and one in Petaling Jaya.
“The case is being investigated under Section 376 of the Penal Code for rape, Section 354 (outraging modesty), Section 377C (committing carnal intercourse) and Section 323 of the same code for voluntarily causing hurt,” Fadzil said.