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Indian Muslim preacher Zakir Naik gets go-ahead to visit Malaysia mosque, but not to give speech
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In the spotlight: Zakir Naik (second right) is being investigated over his alleged racially-charged comments made during a lecture in Kota Baru, which had triggered 115 public complaints.
(The Star/ANN)
C
ontroversial preacher Zakir Naik will not be allowed to give a ceramah during his visit to Masjid Cina in Krubong, Malaysia says the state’s top cop.
Deputy Comm Datuk Wira Raja Shahrom Raja Abdullah said Zakir was expected to attend the “A Night of Islamic Unity” event and that police had no objection.
“Our officers will be present to monitor the situation closely and safeguard public safety.
“We will ensure that the decision of Chief Minister (Adly Zahari) to bar Zakir from giving any speech in the state is adhered to, ” he said.
DCP Raja Shahrom said in order for Zakir to speak, approval must first be obtained from the state Islamic Religious Department.
“We only gave the green light for Zakir to join the prayers, ” he said.
Zakir is scheduled to attend the event at Masjid Cina on Sept 7 under the invitation from Melaka Industry, Trade and Investment Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Rafiq Naizamohideen, who is also the mosque chairman.
Mohd Rafiq said Zakir would be attending the prayers, but there would be no ceramah.
Last month, Adly said they would not allow Zakir to speak in the state.
The invitation had ruffled feathers among several state executive councillors.
State Communications, Multimedia, Youth and Sports Development Committee chairman Kerk Chee Yee said the invitation was tantamount to dishonouring Adly’s earlier decision to bar the controversial speaker in Melaka.
Kerk said Zakir was a controversial figure to many Malaysians and that the state government’s decision to uphold unity should be respected.State Agriculture, Agro-based Industries, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Committee chairman Norhizam Hassan Baktee said the decision was to protect the sanctity of Islam and prevent politicians from making use of Zakir to gain popularity.
