No ban on Zakir Naik lectures, says Mujahid

The new Malaysian government will not impose any ban on lectures by controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik (above) or any other preacher as long as they adhere to the set guidelines, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mujahid Yusof Rawa said today.

"We use a very broad policy as long as each preacher, no matter if its Zakir Naik or somebody else, adheres to the guidelines.

"The guidelines include that permission must be obtained (for the lecture) [...] as long as there are no issues such as complaints against the preacher or that he himself is controversial from any viewpoints that create problems for the Islamic community and Malaysia in general.

"[...] if so, then, of course, that would be the basis for us to take necessary action," Mujahid told reporters today at the Putrajaya Islamic Complex.

The de facto religious affairs minister was responding to the question of Zakir being allowed to lecture in Malaysia despite being wanted in India to possibly face criminal charges.

The issue arose following a recent interview was given by PKR president Anwar Ibrahim to leading Indian newspaper The Hindu.

Anwar had been quoted saying that Malaysia would require formal evidence before it could deport Zakir to India despite formal requests being made by the Indian government for the latter's extradition.

Zakir currently resides in Putrajaya and was accorded permanent residency status by the previous government.

Not up to federal gov't alone

Elaborating further, Mujahid said the Pakatan Harapan government had not sent Zakir back as requested by New Delhi as the matter had already been decided by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"Zakir is in our country and we did not extradite him as (the matter) was discussed with the prime minister and as long as his (Zakir) presence does not create any problems and he has to follow Malaysian law," the minister said.

He further pointed out at the federal government did not have sole discretion on the matter of banning Zakir's lectures as state authorities had a say as well.

He stated: "For example, in Selangor, they (the state government) have power on (deciding) on the basis of credentials, but in the Federal Territories, we (the federal government) respond.

"But in Penang and other states, the state-level religious departments will decide but if they ask for our advice, then we give it."

India has accused the Indian-born preacher of hate speeches and links to terrorism which he has consistently denied.

Zakir has promised he will not disrupt the harmony in Malaysia or break its laws when residing here. - Mkini