Marzuki claims cabinet decides not to deport Zakir, sources say otherwise

Deputy Foreign Minister Marzuki Yahya (above) has been quoted as saying that the cabinet has made a decision not to deport Indian-born preacher Dr Zakir Naik.

However, highly-placed sources Malaysiakini spoke to in response to Marzuki's remarks said the Cabinet has made "no decision" on Zakir as yet.

"The decision not to deport yet is based on the current situation. Of course, what happens in the future is dependent on several factors including the ongoing police investigation," one source explained.

However, he said cabinet had decided to put a stop to Zakir getting involved in local politics.

Marzuki had made the remarks about the cabinet decision when asked about the planned rally in Brickfields over Zakir today which had been cancelled.

Deputy ministers are not cabinet members and are not allowed to attend cabinet meetings.

The New Straits Times reported the deputy foreign minister as saying the government had collectively decided not to deport the preacher and that it was not Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's decision alone.

"We have repeated it time and time again that this is not a decision made by an individual so there is no need to further discuss it.

"If they are unhappy about it then they can refer it to the respective parties. Why do you need to protest?" Marzuki said.

"If we want to please everyone, we cannot do that. It is the decision made by the Malaysian government not to deport him" he added.

Mahathir on Thursday said he had not changed his stance on the matter of Zakir's deportation for now.

The prime minister previously said Zakir had crossed the line when he touched on racial politics.

Mahathir also said the preacher's Malaysian permanent resident status would depend on the outcome of police investigations.

This in regards to Zakir's remarks on Aug 8 which were deemed to have questioned the loyalty of Indian Malaysians to the country.

He also referred to Chinese Malaysians as "old guests" and said those who wanted him out should ask these "old guests" to leave first.

He has claimed that his remarks were taken out of context and has since apologised.

Prior to this, Mahathir expressed concern that Zakir would be treated unfairly if he were sent back to India.

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