GEORGE TOWN: Penang Hindu Endowment Board chairman Dr P. Ramasamy (pic) has removed a Facebook post where he used the word "satan" in an article on controversial preacher Dr Zakir Naik.
“In my posting on Sunday, I called him ‘satan’ and pointed out that he has been giving hate speeches on faiths other than Islam.
"I quickly realised the word was inappropriate and I removed it from my Facebook page but it was too late and that posting quickly went viral,” Dr Ramasamy, also Penang deputy chief minister, said in a statement on Tuesday.
Dr Ramasamy said the posting was not meant to be against Islam or Muslims but directed at "this particular person."
"I believe in a multi-racial and multi-religious Malaysia where all religions should be given due respect.
"I regret the use of the word ‘satan’ which has caused uneasiness and unhappiness among Muslims in Malaysia,” Dr Ramasamy said, adding that it was not his intention to cause such uneasiness as he has respect for all religions in the country.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar had said that Dr Zakir was barred from giving a talk this Sunday on “Similarities Between Hinduism and Islam” at Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka.
Dr Zakir last visited Malaysia in 2012 and his presence then also received similar protests by the Hindu community.
Dr 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 has also been denied entry into Canada and Britain in 2012 after reportedly expressing support for terrorist group Al-Qaeda.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
