Don't raise the temperature, Anwar wants anti-Zakir protest scrapped

Anwar Ibrahim has urged the organiser to call off the anti-Dr Zakir Naik protest, which is scheduled to take place in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, tomorrow.

The PKR president said there is no need for the gathering since the situation has calmed down.

“Police have barred Zakir from delivering lectures nationwide. Continuing the protest will only serve to increase the political temperature and invite a myriad of reactions.

“I also advised the public not to be influenced to join this protest,” he added in a statement this evening.

Meanwhile, the police have also warned of stern action if the organiser continues with the protest.

Yesterday, Brickfields acting police chief Arifai Tarawe confirmed receiving a notice from the organisers of the “Say No To Zakir Naik, equal rights to Indians and other races” rally, as well as another rally to protest the introduction of Jawi khat (calligraphy) in vernacular schools.

However, he said both notices were incomplete and did not meet legal requirements.

Meanwhile, Shankar Ganesh, the organiser for the anti-Zakir rally said the gathering would proceed "with or without papers."

"The decision is made. If I back off now, then we will have to remain silent forever.

“If I back off, our rights for our kids and our future will be silent forever," he added in a Facebook post today.

Last week, Malaysiakini reported that Zakir courted flak for questioning the loyalty of Hindu Malaysians during an Aug 8 speech in Kelantan.

It was also reported that the preacher had referred to Chinese Malaysians as "old guests" at the same event.

The Indian-born preacher, who is being investigated by the police, claimed that his remarks were taken out of context and has since apologised.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Zakir's Malaysian permanent resident status depends on the outcome of the police investigations.

Zakir is wanted by the Indian authorities on charges of alleged money laundering, which the preacher claims are false. -  Mkini