KUALA LUMPUR: Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad (pic) has called on certain parties to stop using Zakir Naik as part of their political strategy.
Repeating his call for Zakir to steer clear of local politics, Khalid said Sunday (Aug 18) that the preacher has now been turned into a tool by certain quarters to obtain cheap political mileage.
"It is disheartening to see that certain parties that claim to be fighting for Islam are using him as a tool to advance their selfish political interests.
"These people are using religion by using Zakir as their political proxy," he said.
Khalid said the same parties have now jeopardised Zakir's safety by dragging him into local politics.
"Zakir was allowed residency here out of our concern for his safety, that his life might be endangered should he be deported back to his country of origin.
"He is now back in danger by being at the centre of a controversy due to his involvement in Malaysian politics."
Since the preacher's controversial remarks, social media platforms have been ablaze with debates among Internet users, with some debates taking on racial undertones.
Sarawak has banned Zakir's entry into the state while several other states have said they will not allow him to speak in public.
There have also been calls to revoke his permanent resident status and deport him.
Repeating his call for Zakir to steer clear of local politics, Khalid said Sunday (Aug 18) that the preacher has now been turned into a tool by certain quarters to obtain cheap political mileage.
"It is disheartening to see that certain parties that claim to be fighting for Islam are using him as a tool to advance their selfish political interests.
"These people are using religion by using Zakir as their political proxy," he said.
Khalid said the same parties have now jeopardised Zakir's safety by dragging him into local politics.
"Zakir was allowed residency here out of our concern for his safety, that his life might be endangered should he be deported back to his country of origin.
"He is now back in danger by being at the centre of a controversy due to his involvement in Malaysian politics."
Since the preacher's controversial remarks, social media platforms have been ablaze with debates among Internet users, with some debates taking on racial undertones.
Sarawak has banned Zakir's entry into the state while several other states have said they will not allow him to speak in public.
There have also been calls to revoke his permanent resident status and deport him.
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