KUALA LUMPUR: The permanent resident (PR) status granted to controversial Muslim preacher Dr Zakir Naik will not be reviewed, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic).
"As long as he does not breach any laws or commit an offence, there is no reason for a review," said the Home Minister when wrapping up his ministerial reply on Budget 2018 in the Dewan Rakyat Wednesday.
He was responding to a question raised by V. Sivakumar (DAP-Batu Gajah) if Dr Zakir's PR would be reviewed in light of the revocation of his Indian international passport.
When M. Kulasegeran (DAP-Ipoh Barat) asked why Dr Zakir was granted PR status despite being unable to speak the Malay language, Dr Ahmad Zahid explained that this was not a requirement.
He said that this was only needed for those applying for citizenship.
Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, added that Malaysia would abide by any mutual legal assistance request made by India which is seeking the preacher's extradition.
He assured lawmakers that the Government would continue to monitor Dr Zakir's activities in the country and would take action if he got involved in any terrorist activities.
On Nov 18, 2016, India's National Investigation Agency lodged a criminal case against Dr Zakir in Mumbai, invoking various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Additionally, the Indian government simultaneously declared the Mumbai-based Islamic Research Foundation launched by him as an "unlawful association".
Dr Zakir was denied entry into Canada and Britain in 2012 after reportedly expressing support for terrorist group al-Qaeda.
He also has been stripped of his Indian citizenship and has an Interpol Red Notice on him calling for his arrest.
Dr Zakir has PR status in both Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.
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