Negri MB: We have not received any application for a Zakir Naik event

SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan government has yet to decide if it would bar Indian-born controversial speaker Zakir Naik from giving public lectures in the state.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun (pic) said he would discuss this with the relevant state authorities if there was an application from any party seeking permission for Zakir to be allowed to give public talks in the state.

"Till now, we have not received any application asking for Zakir to be allowed to deliver talks here.

"If there is, then we will discuss it and decide," he said.

Aminuddin said any individual who wished to teach or deliver talks on Islam must first get the necessary approvals from the Negri Sembilan Islamic Affairs Department.

During a religious talk in Kota Baru, Kelantan on Aug 8, Zakir responded to calls for his deportation by saying that the Malaysian Chinese should "go back" first as they were the "old guests" of the country.

Prior to this, Zakir had said Hindus in Malaysia were more loyal to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi than to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Zakir's remarks have since been criticised by various quarters.