Zakir needs to apply for permission to preach in Penang

Controversial preacher Zakir Naik needs to apply for permission to propagate Islam in Penang as he is considered an outside preacher.

Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman said the requirement is expected of all outside preachers for all religions.

So far, Zakir nor the organisation which has planned for his ceramah has applied for permission to hold a ceramah in Penang, he added.

Zakiyuddin said there are specific state laws which all preachers must comply with and the organisation that invites them must make the necessary application to the Penang Islamic Affairs Department.

"Perhaps, the organiser wishes to secure and confirm a venue for the ceramah.

"But once an application is made, we will consider whether the preacher is allowed to conduct his activities here," Zakiyuddin told Malaysiakini.

"We will look into the preacher's credentials, method of teaching, the content of his ceramah, and only when we think they are all acceptable, will we allow him to preach here," he added.

Asked if the state government has a directive to ban Zakir from preaching in the state, he said the state executive council has not discussed the issue.

Zakiyuddin (photo) was responding to Penang Island City Council's (MBPP) rejection of the Islamic Propagation Society International's (IPSI) application to use the city stadium in George Town for Zakir's ceramah in June.

Last night, MBPP confirmed receiving an application letter from IPSI on Jan 10, informing the local authority about the ceramah on June 14, where 10,000 to 15,000 people are expected to attend.

Other than bookings from the Penang Football Association for the stadium from February to July, MBPP said it also has a management routine to keep the field and stadium in good shape for all the sports events.

IPSI president Kamaruddin Abdullah has declined to respond.

Meanwhile, Zakiyuddin said the relevant authorities would prefer to have preachers who could promote peace and harmony, not only among different religions but also within the Muslim community.

"We would carefully review every preacher to ensure their ceramah and lectures are peaceful and harmonious," he said.

"If Zakir or IPSI applies for his ceramah in Penang, as long as they can comply with our requirements and laws, we would give our permission," he added.

"But they must remember not to create conflict between religions and also in the Muslim community.

"Although we may be of the same religion, not everyone has the same views, so preachers must be cautious not to create a misunderstanding," stressed Zakiyuddin, who is also PKR Pinang Tunggal assemblyperson.

Zakir is not banned from giving ceramah in Malaysia as the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mujahid Yusof Rawa has said the new government will not imposeany ban on his lectures as long as they adhere to the set guidelines.

Zakir's fiery speeches had ruffled feathers while the Indian-born preacher, who resides in Putrajaya and has permanent residency status, is purportedly wanted in India for hate speeches and links to terrorism.

He has consistently denied the claims and has promised he will not disrupt the harmony in Malaysia or break its laws when residing here. - Mkini