States have right to accept or reject Zakir's ceramah - Mujahid

All states have the right to accept or reject applications to allow controversial preacher Zakir Naik to preach or conduct religious activities.

According to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mujahid Yusof Rawa, no directive has been given to states to accept or ban activities involving Zakir, including his ceramah.

"I leave it to the wisdom of every state to decide.

"We trust in every state's assessment of the situation, but we do have a very broad guideline that as long as such activities do not deter our unity but help to promote it, and not the other way around, why should we stop an intellectual who wants to speak about good things?"

"But if he or anyone else approaches on a matter that creates hatred, then that's another issue," Mujahid, the de facto Islamic affairs minister, told Malaysiakini.

He said the role of the Islamic Departments is crucial in such situations.

"For example, if I get the permission to speak, they (Islamic Departments) will advise me on how to approach the subject, like do it harmoniously, do not hurt the feelings of others, have dialogues," Mujahid said.

He admitted that even among Muslims, Zakir's approach may not be so acceptable to those who disagreed with his views.

"It happens when the debate is in the open, and things are said which may not be agreeable with some people. It would be different if the dialogue is in a closed venue, and not an open stadium, where thousands attend, " he said.

Mujahid had earlier said the new Pakatan Harapan government will not impose any ban on Zakir's lectures as long as they adhere to the set guidelines.

Last week, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) rejected an application by the Islamic Propagation Society International (IPSI) to use the city stadium in George Town for Zakir's mega-ceramah in June.

MBPP has confirmed receiving an application 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.

In response, MBPP said other than bookings from the Penang Football Association for its premier league from February to July, there were maintenance routines to keep the field and stadium in top shape for all the sports events.

IPSI president Kamaruddin Abdullah has declined to respond to the issue.

Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman said IPSI needs to apply for permission for Zakir to preach in the state.

Zakiyuddin also said this requirement must be complied by all organisations which plan to invite outside preachers to preach in public places in the state.

"We will look into the preacher's credentials, method of teaching, the contents of his ceramah, and only when we think they are all acceptable, will we allow him to preach here," added Zakiyuddin, who is also Penang Islamic Affairs deputy president.

Zakir, who resides in Putrajaya and has permanent residency status, is purportedly wanted in his home country 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