Zakir Naik in Trouble? Malaysia Govt Bars Controversial Islamic Preacher From Addressing Event After His 'Racist' Comments on Ethnic Minorities
Zakir Abdul Karim Naik, popularly known as Zakir Naik is a well known televangelist and Islamic preacher from India, who is now wanted by Indian authorities for alleged financial irregularities and hate speech. Naik has been living in Malaysia for the past three years.
Kuala Lumpur, August 16: Trouble seems to be mounting for controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik after Malaysia said that it would investigate the alleged "racist remarks" made by him during an event. 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.
Zakir Abdul Karim Naik, popularly known as Zakir Naik is a well known televangelist and Islamic preacher from India, who is now wanted by Indian authorities for alleged financial irregularities and hate speech. Malaysian Minister M Kulasegaran Urges Action Against Zakir Naik for Denigrating Hindu.
Naik will be summoned by the Malaysian authorities for creating discord and his recent comments on the ethnic minorities living in Malaysia. Reports are rife that Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and his cabinet are also considering deporting the controversial preacher. Zakir Naik Extradition: India Waiting for Malaysia's Response.
Malaysian Home Affairs Minister Muhyiddin Yassin was quoted saying by Al Jazeera that Malaysia "will not hesitate to take legal action against anyone who threatens the harmony and public order of the country." The statement issued by him also said, "I wish to draw attention to the tendency of various parties who spread fake news and make racist statements without consideration for the sensitivity of the people in this multiracial country."
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) in India in 2017 filed a charge sheet in a special court in Mumbai against Zakir Naik for allegedly inciting youth to take up terror activities, giving hate speeches and promoting enmity between communities. The agaency said that he is also being probed under terror and money-laundering charges by the NIA. Naik has been living in Malaysia for the past three years, after his organisation 'The Islamic Research Foundation' (IRF) was declared illegal by the Union Home Ministry in India.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 16, 2019 08:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).