Malacca Portuguese: Zakir Naik has shown his true colours

- Bernama

MALACCA: Portuguese community activist Joseph Sta Maria has joined the voices opposing the permanent residence status of controversial Muslim preacher Dr Zakir Naik (pic).

"As a descendant of the ethnic Portuguese minority, we call on the Government to repatriate him at once and revoke the permanent resident (PR) status of (Dr Zakir) who is misusing religion to sow hatred and divide peace-loving Malaysians.

"He has shown his true colours and intention by demeaning other beliefs apart from being unpatriotic to his homeland," said Sta Maria, who is head of Pembela, Malacca's minority under Barisan Nasional's social service centre.

 

Joseph Sta Maria.

 

Sta Maria said as a fugitive who is banned in Bangladesh, United Kingdom, United States and other countries, Dr Zakir should return to his homeland in India and face the accusations.

"Malaysia does not need him as he lacks the quality and respect for the multi-cultural, multi-lingual and multi-religious composition of this wonderful nation.

"Only those who lack knowledge will be impressed by his propaganda," he said in a statement.

It was reported that a special court of India's National Investigation Agency has issued a non-bailable warrant against Dr Zakir for his alleged role in a terror case.

Sta Maria said the Malacca Portuguese community urges the Government to stop Dr Zakir from continuing to create religious and racial disharmony in this country.

"The reputation of Zakir Naik around the world is seriously worrisome and his presence in the country is very dangerous for nation building," he added.

Several Barisan parties, including MCA and MIC, have voiced the strong objections to the permanent resident status accorded to Dr Zakir.