Islamic preacher Zakir Naik has been banned from delivering speeches in Malaysia, a day after he was interrogated by the police for his remarks against Hindu and Chinese communities.
Authorities in Malaysia have banned preacher Zakir Naik from giving speeches in the country after his remarks against minorities spurred controversy. Naik was charged with making inflammatory remarks and was probed by the police over his intent to provoke.
“Yes. Such an order has been given to all police contingents, and this was done in the interest of national security and to preserve racial harmony,” Datuk Asmawati Ahmad, Police Head of Corporate Communications, avowed. Naik is wanted by India for allegedly inciting terror through hate speeches in the country.
Zakir Naik had earlier said that Hindus in Malaysia have “100 times” more rights than Muslims in India. He had also asked Chinese Malaysians to go back to their countries as they are seen as “immigrants”. Naik has apologized for the contentious remark, stating his comment has been taken out of context.
“It was never my intention to upset any individual or community. It is against the basic tenets of Islam, and I would like to convey my heartfelt apologies for this misunderstanding,” Naik said. “Racism is an evil I am staunchly against, as is the Qur’aan, and it is the exact opposite of everything I stand for as an Islamic preacher,” he added.
Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad castigated the Islamic preacher and said that he has “transgressed” his permanent resident (PR) status privilege by giving such remarks.
Naik had moved to Malaysia after fleeing India three years ago. Indian government had made a formal request for extradition, but PM Mahathir had stated that Naik will not be deported “as long as he is not creating any problem”.
