New Delhi, August 20: Malaysia has on Monday banned Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, wanted by the Indian government over allegations inciting extremism via hate speeches and terror-related activities, from giving speeches in the country keeping “national security” in mind.
Naik had been charged with delivering inflammatory speeches and the local police had questioned him over his recent intent to prompt a violation in peace by making false remarks about Chinese and Hindu communities living in Malaysia.
“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,” Datuk Asmawati Ahmad, Police Head of Corporate Communications, was quoted in an ANI report.
Naik had on August 3 said Hindus residing in Malaysia have 100 times more human rights than Muslims living in India, further making several sensitive comments against the Chinese Malaysian community. Though, he apologized for all those remarks, claiming people had taken his comments out of context.
In his statement, Naik said, “It was never my intention to upset any individual or community,” adding, “It is against the basic tenets of Islam, and I would like to convey my heartfelt apologies for this misunderstanding.”
Last July, India made a formal request to the government of Malaysia asking for Naik’s extradition to New Delhi. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir, however, said he won’t be deported “as long as he is not creating any problem”.
Mahathir was quoted by ANI news agency in a report as saying, “He (Zakir Naik) has PR status. We can take that away if he does something that is detrimental to the well-being of the nation.”
Last week, Mahathir said it was quite clear Naik sought to address the racial politics. “He is stirring up racial feelings. The police will have to investigate whether it is causing tension; obviously, it is,” he said. The prime minister said Naik was a permanent resident and that he was not permitted to participate in politics.
“You can preach (religiously) but he wasn’t doing that. He was talking about Chinese going back to China and Indians going back to India. I have never said such things. But he did. That is politics,” Mahathir added.