Malaysia: Indian Islamic scholar Zakir Naik, who is facing charges of money laundering and hate speeches in India, will be summoned by the Malaysian authorities in connection to a racially sensitive remark, the Malay government said on Thursday. Naik, who has been living in the multi-ethnic nation of Malaysia for about three years had said that Hindus in Malaysia, who are the religious minorities had “100 times more rights” than the Muslim minority in India.
Many of the Malaysian ministers demanded Zakir Naik’s expulsion on Wednesday in connection to this statement, which they felt pitted the country’s ethnic and religious minorities against the Malay majority, who are predominantly Muslims.
“Police will question Zakir Naik and several other individuals and groups for making “racially-tinged statements” and for spreading false news that has affected public sensitivities. I would like to remind all parties, including non-citizens, that enforcement agencies under my ministry will not think twice to take legal action against anyone who attempts to threaten public harmony and peace,” Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said in a statement.
Asked for comment, a representative for Zakir Naik told Reuters he would first need to study the minister’s statement. As far as his expulsion is concerned, State news agency Bernama quoted Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad as saying this week that Zakir Naik cannot be sent back to India because of fears for his safety. “If any (other) country wants to have him, they are welcome,” Mahathir added.
India had banned Naik’s Islamic Research Foundation in 2016 after bringing the organisation’s activities under the scanner.
