Zakir a special human being, don't interfere, Shahidan tells critics

Critics of Muslim preacher Dr Zakir Naik from MIC and Indian-based NGOS should not have interfered in matters concerning the Muslim religion, an Umno minister said today.

Minister in the Prime Minister Department Shahidan Kassim described Zakir as a "special human being" with in-depth knowledge on comparative religion.

"This is a matter concerning religion (Islam), don't need to interfere.

"After Ahmad Deedat (a well-known South African Muslim scholar), I feel that he (Zakir) is a special human being. He is someone who puts forward knowledge," said Shahidan during a press conference at his office in the Umno headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

The Arau MP also said that his role was to act as facilitator between the organisers and authorities.

"I also feel using (Zakir's) presence will help clear up a lot of misconceptions (about Islam). Many things about Islam are now muddied.

"Islam has become a misunderstood religion," he said.

The MIC and several Indian-based NGOs had lodged police reports against Zakir's scheduled appearances, protesting his allegedly anti-Hindu remarks made in the past.

Programme director for Zakir's series of lectures this weekend, Abu Shariz Sarajun Hoda, said that they have obtained all necessary approvals from the authorities.

"We have also sent invitation letters to non-Muslim NGOs for them to attend the event.

"We can reserve seats for them and give them priority to ask any questions," he said.

Abu Shariz, however, added that none of the NGOs has so far accepted the invitation.

Abu Shariz, who is from the Hidayah Centre Foundation, along with 10 other NGOs, are the main organisers for Zakir's lecture at Stadium Hoki Bukit Jalil this Saturday.

After Shahidan's meeting with inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar , Abu Shariz said they have agreed to change the topic of Zakir's scheduled lecture on April 17.

Zakir's lecture was supposed to be hosted by Universiti Teknikal Malaysia (UTEM) in Malacca, but they had agreed to cancel it after receiving instructions from the police.

Abu Shariz, however, today said that UTEM will once again host the lecture with a new topic – 'Women's rights in Islam'.

Khalid yesterday said that Zakir's lecture on 'Similarities between Hinduism and Islam' in Malacca this Sunday should be stopped on grounds of potential public unrest and to protect religious sensitivities. -Mkini