KUALA LUMPUR: A freelance preacher said former Klang MP Charles Santiago gave the false impression that Zakir Naik had persuaded law enforcement authorities to act against those who allegedly had links with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
Hussain Abdullah, 68, told the High Court hearing a defamation case that Santiago gave the wrong perception, in a news report, that Naik had cajoled the authorities to act through “back door dealings”.
“That article also painted the wrong picture that Naik had manipulated the authorities for personal gain,” said Hussain in his witness statement.
Hussain, who is better known as Ustaz Hussain Yee, said it was clear that Santiago had defamed Naik by insinuating the latter was responsible for the arrest of several people said to have ties with LTTE.
He said there was no basis to make such an allegation against Naik, a permanent resident who lives in Putrajaya.
Hussain, the first witness to take the stand, said he informed Naik of the report which was also published on other social media platforms.
“The plaintiff (Naik) informed me that he was taking legal action against the defendant,” he said when giving evidence online.
Hussain added: “To my knowledge, Naik has dedicated his life to propagating Islam and carrying out welfare work.”
Naik filed the suit in December 2019, claiming Santiago had said the arrest of 12 individuals under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) over alleged links to the LTTE was because of their criticism of Naik.
Naik claimed the remarks in the report “Criticism of Zakir Naik may have led to LTTE arrests, says MP”, which was published by FMT on Nov 26, 2019, were motivated by malice and hatred.
The controversial Muslim preacher said the remarks had injured his reputation and caused him to suffer humiliation and ridicule.
Santiago’s defence was that the remarks were fair comment of public interest and done without malice.
SN Fam represented Santiago while Akberdin Abdul Kader appeared for Naik.
The hearing before Justice Akhtar Tahir was adjourned to tomorrow. - FMT
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