Penang mufti Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor stressed today that there is no conflict between his recent defence of Dr Zakir Naik and his view that the preacher should not be allowed to speak in the state.
"I am still firm with my stand that it is not wise to bring Zakir for a ceramah in Penang when the situation is so tense now," he told Malaysiakini.
"But I need to defend him when he is accused cruelly by several individuals, and state the reason why he is being considered an enemy.
"Those who view the international preacher from a narrow perspective should straighten up and stop accusing him of being an extremist who spread malicious lies, among others."
Earlier today, Wan Salim issued a press statement titled "Zakir was just presenting the truth," in which he says the preacher is a very "open" person who is willing to engage in rational and academic dialogue with anyone.
Zakir's (photo) excellent command of comparative religion and preaching skills, according to the mufti, have rendered him an enemy to those who cannot match up.
"Anyone who has studied this religion (Islam) knows without a doubt that one of the principles clearly stated in the Quran and Hadith is that there is no compulsion to follow Islam.
"But it is necessary to know that urging others to Islam is compulsory for all Muslims," he added.
No deportation
Asked if he agreed that Zakir should be deported to his home country of India to face money laundering and other charges, Wan Salim replied in the negative.
"I do not believe that he (Zakir) should be extradited, due to concerns that he would not get a fair trial as the ruling party (Bharatiya Janata Party) is considered racist," he said.
Asked his suggestion on the best outcome for Zakir, Wan Salim said the media should urge all religions to be tolerant, and focus more on living together harmoniously and respectful of each other as a community.
"Differences ought to be resolved through healthy discussions and dialogue, by those with a sincere heart," he added.
Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, meanwhile, reiterated that Zakir is unwelcome in Penang.
Zakiyuddin (photo), the state exco for Islamic affairs, said Wan Salim was merely giving his moral support to Zakir after the preacher was labelled an "extremist and spreader of lies."
"I agree with the mufti that Zakir is not an extremist, but what he conveys in his speeches might not be suitable for dakwah in this country," he said when met in Komtar today.
"His preaching is more suitable for a closed-door event and a different audience perhaps."
Police confirmed today that Zakir is banned from delivering public sermons throughout the country.
His Aug 8 speech courted flak after he suggested that Hindus in Malaysia were more loyal to the Indian prime minister than Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He also suggested that the Chinese community were "old guests" in Malaysia and should leave before asking "new guests" like him to do so.
Mahathir subsequently said that the preacher had involved himself in "racial politics" and that he should not because he was a permanent resident here.
He was subjected to a second round of questioning by police yesterday, and followed this with an apology to Malaysians, claiming he is not racist.
Zakir has repeatedly maintained that the contents of his speech were taken out of context and lodged police reports as well as defamation suits against his critics. - Mkini
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