How did we get it all wrong?

I am neither a Muslim nor a Hindu. But as a Malaysian, I am entitled to provide some views on Zakir Naik and the controversies surrounding him.

I think there are many issues on him that we got wrong.

First, Zakir Naik is a national of India, not a Malaysian. As I understand, India is currently investigating him not because he is a Muslim, an Islamic scholar or a preacher. He is being investigated on alleged crimes committed, ie under money-laundering and terrorist-related offences.

Second, is it proper for Malaysians to accept lock, stock, and barrel Zakir Naik’s assertion that he will be tortured if he is sent back to India as his country “has done to other Muslims”? I think these are very emotional and partisan urgings pitting Muslims against non-Muslims which all of us must take with a heavy pinch of salt.

Third, it is not right for Zakir Naik to burden Malaysia by bringing his problems here. Already we have seen Muslims and non-Muslims arguing over him even though the problems are very much ‘personal’ between Zakir Naik and the Indian government. I think it is not Islam and Muslims that are being investigated by the Indian authorities. It is Zakir Naik, a person with controversies and lots of allegations to answer.

Fourth, if we are clear who Zakir Naik is, then the controversial poem by the mufti of Perlis shouldn’t have happened. Essentially some Malaysians have bought into his argument that a non-Muslim or a secular government is out to get Muslims. I think this is not very nice both for the Muslims and non-Muslims in this country as well as for those in India. It is highly combustible.

Fifth, I think it is best for the mufti to apologise outright his controversial poem rather than over the ‘misunderstanding’ of his poem. There is no misunderstanding and there is no necessity to prolong the controversy further.

Sixth, if Zakir Naik is apprehensive of the motives of Indian authorities, he must go elsewhere to argue with them. Malaysia must not assume responsibility to protect him unless we have proper justifications to grant him political asylum.

Malaysia is not a neutral ground for anyone - Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, and Hindus - if they are wanted for specific crimes allegedly committed elsewhere. Malaysia is not neutral if and when an Interpol notice is issued.- Mkini