Police confirms Zakir banned from public speaking in Malaysia

Controversial preacher Dr Zakir Naik has been banned by the police from delivering public talks across Malaysia, according to a report.

Online news portal Malay Mail quoted Bukit Aman Corporate Communications head Asmawati Ahmad who confirmed the order issued in the interest of national security.

"Yes. Such an order has been given to all police contingents, and this was done in the interest of national security and to preserve racial harmony," Asmawati was quoted as saying.

The order to ban Zakir from speaking in public was reportedly issued via a circular to all police contingents nationwide.

Following controversy over Zakir's recent speech in Kelantan, various state Islamic authorities have since declared they will not allow the Indian-born televangelist to speak in their territories.

A recent event on Aug 8 in Kelantan 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 leave.

Mahathir subsequently said that the preacher had involved himself in "racial politics"and that he should not because he was a permanent resident here.

Zakir, who is being investigated by the police after 115 reports were lodged against his remarks, was subjected to a second round of questioning for more than 10 hours from yesterday afternoon until early this morning.

He had 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