Non-Muslims MPs told to mind own business, not to intervene in Zakir Naik’s Perlis ‘ceramah’

 

A MEMBER of the Perlis Fatwa Committee has defended the state’s religious authorities’ action in allowing controversial preacher Zakir Naik to give a speech in the PAS-ruled state recently.

Prof Dr Rozaimi Ramle contended that Islamic religious affairs fall under the jurisdiction of the state government and are led by the Perlis Malay ruler with the exception of certain states such as the Federal Territory.

Above all else, the Indian national’s recent talk in Kangar had received permission from the Perlis Mufti Datuk Prof Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin a.k.a. Dr MAZA.

Polemic erupted after Jelutong MP RSN Rayer yesterday (Feb 5) raised questions about Zakir who is on the run from the Indian government since 2016.

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“I would like to ask the PDRM (Royal Malaysian Police), especially the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) if such ban still in effect?” asked the DAP lawmaker during a media conference in the Parliament.

“If it is still in force, news portal The Scoop reported recently that Zakir Naik made a speech or open dakwah at an event in Kangar on Feb 2. If this report is true, my question is why didn’t Zakir Naik comply with the ban on speaking and preaching imposed on him?”

Rozaimi who is also the Rector of the Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin International Islamic University (Unisiraj) further hoped that the jurisdiction would be respected by all parties, especially non-Muslim MPs.

This development was reported by Malaysiakini on the X platform which unsurprisingly elicited plenty of comments.

Some expressed surprise that the Perlis Mufti has greater power than the police and the laws of the country.

More than one expressed dismay that this firebrand was still in the country.

One commenter pointed out that the police ban was from 2019. While the police should clarify the status, he suggested that Zakir be given “a second chance” although he surmised there would be opposition from non-Muslims.

Some were in support of the Mufti’s decision in allowing Zakir to speak especially when Islamic affairs are under the state government jurisdiction.

While another in no uncertain terms told Rayen to mind his own business and not question matters pertaining to Islam which are under state jurisdiction.

One even mooted the idea of a debate between Zakir and DAP lawmakers – or even Rayen himself – be staged to clear up issues.

Another cited Interpol’s refusal to red flag Zakir to refute Rayen’s queries.

Some even saw it as their right to listen to the preacher’s ceramah as it has nothing to do with non-Muslims.

Few things need to be highlighted with this issue.

Firstly, given Zakir Naik’s reputation for spewing controversial statements especially on non-Muslims, the content of his ceramah does affects other even though it is exclusively intended for Muslims.

The crux of the matter is that his pronouncements have a negative effect on race relations in this country.

Secondly, to make him a figurehead of sorts is simply ingenious as any attempt to block him from speaking is seen as a challenge to the sanctity of Islam as the official religion of the country. This follows the nonsensical narrative that non-Muslims are trying to change this fact.

Lastly, the pertinent question that needs to be asked is whether supporters of this controversial preacher are willing to accept a situation where the tables are reversed.

The hypocrisy stinks and is a reflection of race (and religious) relations in Malaysia at this point in time. – Focus Malaysia