Perkasa defends Zakir Naik's PR status

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Dr Ibrahim Ali (pic) is defending the Government's right to grant Dr Zakir Naik permanent resident (PR) status, saying none of the allegations against the controversial preacher have been proven.

"It is the right of the government of the day to grant political asylum or PR status to him. He never promotes terrorism or extremism and we cannot prove any allegations of money-laundering," said the Perkasa president, adding that the Government should not entertain calls to deport Zakir or revoke his PR status.

Ibrahim was speaking at a press conference after attending the " China's investment: economic and geo-political impact" roundtable discussion organised by Perkasa on Saturday.

Ibrahim said the matter should not be an issue as comparative theology as practiced by Zakir is "debated everyday", even in the Western world.

"I believe he is not voluntarily going to India because he is afraid that he will be mistreated there," said Ibrahim.

Zakir is wanted in India for money laundering. The Indian government is also seeking an Interpol Red Notice against Dr Zakir to curb his movements out of Saudi Arabia where he is currently based.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi last week confirmed that Zakir had permanent resident status, which was given to him about five years ago.

Zakir's presence in Malaysia has ruffled the feathers of MIC Youth, which has reportedly lodged multiple police report against him, as well as the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) which also asked the Government to ban the preacher from entering the country.

He last visited Malaysia in 2012, and his presence was also opposed by the Hindu community then.

Zakir, a recipient of Tokoh Maal Hijrah award in 2013, had reportedly angered the Hindu community by insulting their deities along with the vegetarian practices of the faith.

He was also denied entry into Canada and the United Kingdom in 2012 after reportedly expressing support for terrorist group Al-Qaeda.