Mufti advises organisers not to involve Zakir in Perlis event

Perlis Mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin has advised organisers to drop controversial Muslim preacher Zakir Naik from the Malaysia Revert Camp programme in the state.

Speaking to Malaysiakini today, Asri said the decision is for the good of the Indian-born preacher and his family given current circumstances.

“This not because of hatred towards him (Zakir)... Muslims, in general, want us to allow him (to speak at the event),” he added.

Zakir and his son Fariq were scheduled to speak at the three-day event, which will feature notable Muslim converts, in Kuala Perlis.

Fariq was supposed to speak tonight, and Zakir tomorrow. The preacher's wife and daughter were slated to speak at other events in the state. 

Asri had conveyed his advice in a letter to the Malaysia Revert Camp's organisers.

The letter (photo) cited concerns that Zakir and his family would be harassed due to issues raised by "those with ill intentions."

Asked for clarification, Asri said he had no problem if Zakir wanted to visit Perlis.

"There is no problem if he wants to come here, but he can't speak (at events)," the mufti said.

Zakir had come under fire for saying that Hindu Malaysians supported the Indian government more than Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in regards to his charges in India.

He had also made some pointed remarks about Chinese Malaysians, calling them "guests."

Zakir claimed his remarks on both matters were misquoted.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has thus far refused to deport the preacher despite requests expressing concern about whether he will receive a fair trial there.

However, he said that Malaysia would welcome it if other countries would like to accept Zakir.

It was reported on May 2017 that Saudi Arabia granted citizenship to Zakir.

Cabinet members had raised their ire about Zakir to Mahathir, calling for his permanent residency to be revoked. - Mkini