So who is using whom? Is Zakir Naik a convenient political pawn and a conduit for politicians to cling to power? Or is the hate preacher the catalyst for right thinking and peace-loving Malaysians to unite, and rid the nation of more bigotry and extremism?
We have just finished celebrating Hari Raya Haji, also known as the 'Festival of the Sacrifice'. It is strange that Zakir wields so much power over a former prime minister, the current prime minister and various leaders, ulama and MPs.
Are these men blind, or has Zakir massaged their egos to the point that they are prepared to sacrifice the goodwill and hard work of the rakyat, who has, for many decades, been torn apart by racial and religious strife?
Dr Mahathir Mohamad is probably the most powerful man in Malaysia, but he has succumbed to Zakir's charm.
Zakir's charisma is so potent that the guardians of Islam in Malaysia fail to see that he is prepared to treat Malaysians like sacrificial lambs to the slaughter.
Despite being reviled around the world, Malaysia regards him as a hero. Last week, the Kelantan authorities treated him like a visiting head of state.
Some who were born here remain stateless, but Zakir has been given permanent residency.
Zakir's anti-Jewish speeches may resonate with some people in Malaysia, but his recent incendiary attacks on non-Malay Malaysians is unacceptable. Weak, insecure Muslims, whose understanding of their faith is limited, and whose knowledge of world history is almost non-existent, may be influenced by him.
Zakir threatens our national security and harmony. He is dangerous.
One person Zakir resembles is the monk, Rasputin, a Siberian peasant turned holy man, who captivated the empress of Russia.
Although held in high esteem by the tsar, in reality, Rasputin was a sex-crazed drunk, a money-making opportunist and divisive figure, hated by many in the imperial court. Both Zakir and Rasputin, with their peculiar charisma, ingratiated themselves to people of power.
In May 2018, Mahathir set the new Pakatan Harapan administration on a reasonable footing and regained our trust.
For the first four months, he pushed the right buttons and received our support, but then his former persona began to emerge.
His recent sarcastic attacks on Harapan politicians, who were merely conveying the concerns of their constituencies, show his arrogance.
During his first tenure as prime minister, members of his cabinet were like sheep and did not question his policies. Today, he has failed to realise that this cabinet is not composed of spineless jellyfish.
It is ironic that in the 14th general election, disgraced Najib Abdul Razak united Malaysians to reject a corrupt regime. So, why is Mahathir prepared to sacrifice all that we have fought for, to satisfy his fascination with Zakir?
Scratch beneath the surface and our so-called unity is paper-thin. Decades of indoctrination have taught us to mistrust those of a different faith and culture. Zakir is fanning this hatred and Mahathir is not stopping him.
In Malaysia, it appears that religion is the root of all evil. Mahathir's support for Education Minister Maszlee Malik and his pro-religious stance is baffling. Our children need a more structured curriculum, not scriptures. Again, is Mahathir prepared to sacrifice the future of millions of children in Malaysia?
Last week, Mahathir claimed that Lynas cannot be shut down because it would scare off other foreign investors. Does Mahathir think we are that simple?
His first foray into rare earths was four decades ago, in Bukit Merah, just outside Ipoh. Mitsubishi Asian Rare Earths (ARE) was forced to shut down because of its radioactive waste.
Mahathir has been proven wrong about foreign investors because the ARE plant's closure did not stop other investors from opening factories and businesses in Malaysia.
However, an extremist and intolerant country would make investors think twice. Moreover, investors will appreciate a government which is both ethical and principled.
Finally, has Mahathir forgotten that he is the architect of many of the problems that beset Malaysia today? Malaysians have learnt from their mistakes, but it appears that Mahathir mudah lupa.
If Mahathir and those in PAS, are allowed to use Zakir to further their political power, there is no doubt that Zakir will be the undoing of Malaysia.
There is hope because Zakir could prove to be the uniting factor if Malaysians come together and demand that he be kicked out of the country.
Malaysia was built on the blood, sweat and tears of all the races. Our MPs should not allow one foreigner to create chaos and destroy future generations of Malaysians. Zakir has already undermined the rakyat's trust in the Harapan government.
Zakir, the Indian Muslim, has no right to demand that the non-Malays return to their motherland. When he goes, he can bring along other fanatics like himself.
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