We said no to Zakir six months ago over public talks, says Penang DCM1

GEORGE TOWN: Penang will not welcome controversial preacher Dr Zakir Naik (pic) to its shores to speak at any public events.

Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman said the state had firmly decided this six months ago, when Zakir paid a courtesy call on the state leadership.

"When Zakir visited us, we discussed several things, including his wish to have talks here in Penang.

"But we immediately told him that we felt whatever he wanted to talk on would not be suitable for the state.

"So we reached an understanding that Penang would not allow him to speak in public, and he has not returned here since," Ahmad Zakiyuddin said when contacted Sunday (Aug 18).

He was commenting on reports that Perlis and Kedah have banned Zakir from giving public talks in their respective states.

Penang Islamic Religious Council president Datuk Abdul Malik Abul Kassim said the council would abide by any decision made by the authorities.

"I think it is better for us to remain silent, and not add fuel to fire, as this would create more problems and worsen things.

"Let the authorities deal with this," he said.

Kedah became the second state, after Perlis to ban Zakir from speaking publicly.

In ALOR SETAR, state Religious Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Dr Ismail Salleh reiterated that Zakir is barred from getting involved in any public event in the state.

"Not only is Zakir Naik banned from giving ceramah in Kedah, we will also disallow anyone who poses a threat to the unity, harmony and security of the state," he said Sunday.

Ismail said all ceramah related to Zakir in the state would be put on hold as per police advice.

"My office is working closely with the police on the matter and we will follow their suggestions.

"We will not compromise on anything that will jeopardise the unity of the people," he said.

Kedah police chief Datuk Zainuddin Yaacob said police would impose strict conditions in vetting such programmes and would disallow certain speakers from delivering speeches at ceramah.

"The organisers of peaceful assemblies must notify the police within the stipulated time frame prior to holding any event under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.

"There are police procedures that need to be fulfilled even before imposing conditions on these organisers.

"The police are responsible for public order within the state," he said.

Zakir's comments on non-Muslims have recently heightened racial tensions in the country.

The Indian-born preacher had allegedly called on Chinese Malaysians to go back first to where they belong before he does, as they were the "old guests" of the country.

He said this in response to calls for his own deportation.

Zakir had also remarked that Hindus in Malaysia were more loyal to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi than to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.