KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): The actions of independent preacher Dr Zakir Naik who stirred a hornet's nest about Hindus and Chinese in Malaysia in a lecture were uncalled for despite his intention to preach, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"I do not agree with Zakir Naik on this matter. I know he is preaching and there is a lot of good in it, but he should not have touched about racial issues in this country," the PKR president said at a "PKR Presidential Tour" series here Tuesday (Aug 20).
Anwar said this when asked about his stand on the controversy involving Dr Zakir.
The Port Dickson MP said Dr Zakir should thank the Malaysian government for still allowing him to stay in the country.
"The previous government granted him permanent resident status and when Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad also agreed to allow him to stay here, he should be thankful," he said.
On PKR's stand on the preacher, Anwar said the matter would be formally decided on Wednesday (Aug 21).
Dr Zakir is facing a police investigation under Section 504 of the Penal Code for intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace, after 115 reports were received against him.
He has been called up twice to Bukit Aman to have his statement recorded, the first time for five hours last Friday (Aug 9) and the second time for 10 hours from Monday (Aug 19) afternoon up to early Tuesday.
The preacher from India, who is a permanent resident in Malaysia, is alleged to have made controversial remarks against Malaysian Hindus and 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. – Bernama
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