'Zakir only banned from two countries, many more welcomed the preacher'

Controversial Muslim preacher Dr Zakir Naik may be banned from entering Canada and the UK but he is welcomed in many other countries including Malaysia, said an organiser for two of his public appearances.

Hidayah Centre Foundation programme director Abu Shariz Sharajoon Hoda told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur that "the affairs of other countries have nothing to do with Malaysia".

"We are a sovereign country and this is Malaysia, Alhamdulillah. The Malaysian citizens are very welcoming towards Zakir and we can see everybody is so happy.

"Malaysia is a sovereign country and we should respect the laws of our country," he said when asked for comments on previous entry bans imposed by other countries against Zakir.

Zakir has reportedly been banned from speaking in Singapore and was told by the Canadian government in 2010 that he would not be allowed entry.

He was also barred from entering the United Kingdom.

Shariz also that all of their arrangements have been made in accordance with provisions under the federal constitution.

"(Besides), the decision-making or affairs of other countries have nothing to do with us.

"If you mention that logically, two countries have banned him, then probably there are 200 countries which have not banned him," he pointed out.

Shariz also said that Malaysians should not be too bothered about the affairs of other countries, as they have no effect on them.

"For your information, Zakir has more than 4,000 official invitations throughout the world, inviting him to come and give lectures, and if he goes to every lectures everyday, it will take him 12 years to complete one round.

"He has given priority to Malaysia because Malaysia is a very hospitable country," he said.

At the same time, Shariz also invited those who have opposed Zakir's presence here to attend his lectures and engage in an intellectual discussion, rather than lodging reports or stopping him from speaking.

"Non-Muslims have opportunities to come and ask questions, and openly clear their doubts first hand... don't have to go through speculations on social media which are untrue," he said.

The MIC and several Indian-based NGOs had lodged police reports against Zakir's scheduled appearances this week and inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar had today instructed the organisers to cancel their events this weekend in Malacca and Kuala Lumpur.

Zakir is currently in Terengganu on the invitation of Menteri Besar Mohamad Razif Ismail to speak at several events.

He had last night addressed a crowd of 30,000 people at the Gong Badak stadium. -Mkini