Zakir Naik Demands Apology From Four Malaysian Ministers For 'Defamatory' Comments After Preacher Faces Fire For ‘Racist’ Remarks
Naik has immediately asked for the withdrawal of comments made against him. Last week, Malaysia's Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran had issued a statement saying, 'Zakir Naik’s presence in Malaysia is embarrassing to all Malaysians'.
Kaula Lampur, August 19: Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, who landed in a soup after his alleged "racist" remarks at an event, has demanded apology from four Malysian ministers. Naik said that the comments made against him were "defamatory" in nature. The Mumbai-born preacher has demanded that the ministers withdraw their statements. Zakir Naik in Trouble? Malaysia Govt Bars Controversial Islamic Preacher From Addressing Event After His 'Racist' Comments on Ethnic Minorities.
Naik named Penang region Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy, Member of Parliament from Klang- Charles Santiago and two others, reported New Straits Times, Malaysia's oldest newspaper.
Naik has immediately asked for the withdrawal of comments made against him. Last week, Malaysia's Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran had issued a statement saying, “Zakir Naik’s presence in Malaysia is embarrassing to all Malaysians”. Naik issued a Letter of Demand following the comment against him and asked for withdrawal of the statement.
Naik, at an event said to be held on August 8, had allegedly compared the Hindus in Malaysia to the Muslims living in India and also passed inappropriate comments on the Chinese people living in Malaysia. The government of Malaysia also denied permission to Naik from addressing a gathering after his "racist" comments.
During a comment made at an event in Kota Baru, Naik had compared the situation of Hindus living in Malaysia with that of Muslims living in India and said that Hindus in Malaysia enjoyed more freedom and rights than the Muslims in India.
He also said that since Chinese were the first to enter Malaysia, they should also be the first to leave the country. The Malaysian authorities bannned the preacher from addressing any gathering after his comments created a furore.
The government also cited his sermons "causing harm to harmony among communities in Malaysia." There were also demands made to deport him. Naik has been living in Malaysia for the past three years and is wanted in India for his alleged involvement in money-laundering and hate speech cases.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 19, 2019 05:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).