Zakir Naik barred from speaking in public nationwide, says Bukit Aman

PETALING JAYA: Controversial preacher Zakir Naik (pic) has been barred from delivering public talks in every state in Malaysia by the police.

Royal Malaysia Police corporate communications head Senior Asst Comm Datuk Asmawati Ahmad confirmed this, following a leaked circular that was issued to all state-level police chiefs.

"Yes. Such an order has been given to all police contingents, and this was done in the interest of national security and to preserve racial harmony," she said when contacted on Tuesday (Aug 20).

Zakir had been barred by seven states – Melaka, Johor, Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Perlis and Sarawak – from speaking in public, after his recent incendiary racial remarks.

He is also being probed under Section 504 of the Penal Code for intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.

He is alleged to have made controversial remarks against Malaysian Hindus and Malaysian Chinese during a talk in Kota Baru on Aug 3, prompting calls for him to be deported to India.

Zakir has been wanted by Indian authorities since 2016 for alleged money laundering and inciting extremism through hate speeches.