Abdul Ghani is seen being arrested by Malaysian police.
By Arakan Journal Staff – October 1, 2026
Rohingya rights advocate Zafar Ahmad Abdul Ghani has pleaded not guilty to two charges under Malaysia’s Societies Act over allegations linked to his involvement with an unregistered organization
Zafar, who heads the Myanmar Ethnic Rohingya Human Rights Organization Malaysia (MERHROM), appeared before the Putrajaya Magistrates’ Court and claimed trial on both charges.
The charges were brought under Sections 42 and 48 of the Societies Act 1966. Section 42 concerns managing or assisting in the management of an unregistered society, while Section 48 concerns representing an unlawful society.
According to Malaysia’s Registrar of Societies (RoS), the charges followed an investigation into MERHROM’s activities and public statements.
RoS alleged that Zafar had represented himself as the organization’s president during the period under investigation.
The registrar also said its investigation found that MERHROM was not registered and that Zafar was not an office-bearer of a registered organization under that name.
Zafar denied the charges in court, and the case will proceed through the Malaysian legal system.
The court set October 30, 2026, for the next mention of the case.
Zafar has for years been involved in advocacy concerning the rights and protection of Rohingya refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia. MERHROM has also publicly raised concerns about the safety and protection of Rohingya refugees, including the risks associated with returns to Myanmar.
The case comes amid renewed international attention to the treatment of Myanmar nationals in Malaysia. The United Nations has recently expressed concern over Malaysia’s repatriation of Myanmar nationals amid the continuing conflict and human rights crisis in Myanmar.
The charges against Zafar concern Malaysian registration law and do not, by themselves, establish guilt. He remains entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence unless and until a court determines otherwise.
Arakan Journal will continue to monitor the proceedings and developments affecting Rohingya refugees and human-rights advocacy in Malaysia.
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