Say sorry or we’ll sue, Hindraf tells Perlis mufti

Comments over controversial preacher Zakir Naik lead to clash of words.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) has threatened a defamation suit against the Perlis Mufti Mohd Asri Zainun Abidin over a remark made yesterday.

This was in regards to a statement made by Asri yesterday claiming that Hindraf is known for stirring racial controversies, and had deliberately taken Islamic preacher Zakir Naik’s teachings out of context.

Asri was responding to a previous statement made by Hindraf chief P Waythamoorthy, asking the United States government to step in and take action against Zakir, whom he accused of promoting terrorism.

Waythamoorthy is now demanding Asri to apologise within the next five days, otherwise legal action would follow suit.

In a press conference at Hindraf headquarters today, Waythamoorthy told reporters that perhaps Asri failed to understand his calls to the US government due to his poor English skills.

“You are a well-respected person within the Muslim community in Malaysia. I should not advise you but when you are making an allegation, you must know your sources and facts.

“Maybe you do not understand English well, so please get advice from someone who is intellectually capable to read and explain the contents of my letter to the US Secretary of State,” he said.

Waythamoorthy then took a jab at Asri’s credentials, pointing out that he is an expert on Islam, but not an expert on the issue of global terrorism.

He said: “The global terrorism threat involves the top leadership of the country and the armed forces are dealing with it. You are no expert.”

Waythamoorthy then told Asri to understand the contents of his letter and decide whether to apologise within the next five days.

“Get someone well-versed in English to read and explain the contents of my letter. If you think that you have made a mistake, I’m giving you an opportunity to apologise within the next five days.

“If I don’t hear from you, I will instruct my lawyers to commence defamatory action against you.”

He said that Zakir’s teachings have always been known to be promoting terrorism, citing last year’s Dhaka bombings which left 22 people dead in Bangladesh.

“It’s been proven that the individuals involved in the Dhaka bombings were motivated and radicalised by Zakir’s preachings and teachings.”

Waythamoorthy also warned that Zakir’s teaching would not only influence Malaysians, but also the large number of Bangladeshi and Indonesian migrant workers in the country.

“These people may be radicalised by him and they could promote terrorism here in Malaysia.

“A person that’s promoting terrorism shouldn’t be allowed on Malaysian soil.”

Last year, Zakir created an uproar among non-Muslims after numerous allegations that his teachings had demeaned the religion of other followers.

Many had since expressed concern that Zakir’s preaching could harm Malaysia’s diverse multi-racial society. -FMT