Dr Mahathir has betrayed Indians, cry Hindu groups

Timothy Achariam Timothy Achariam Updated 6 years ago · Published on 14 Aug 2019 4:53PM · 3 Comments

Members of Hindu civil groups holding up 'wanted' posters of controversial preacher Zakir Naik outside the Sentul district police headquarters today. They have lodged reports against Zakir over his comments disparaging Malaysia's Indians. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Nazir Sufari, August 14, 2019.

DR Mahathir Mohamad has betrayed the trust of Malaysia’s Indians and Hindus by refusing to extradite preacher Zakir Naik, said Hindu groups today.

Agamam Ani adviser Arun Dorasamy told The Malaysian Insight that it is unfortunate the prime minister is backing the controversial figure instead of Indians who voted for Pakatan Harapan in last year’s general election.

“What is more painful is the betrayal by Dr Mahathir, who is supposed to be a prime minister for all races. He broke that trust yesterday. He should be defending us, not brushing aside questions on Zakir.

“We know Zakir’s evil character, and we know that most of the country rejects him. But yesterday, we saw that same character from Dr Mahathir,” he said outside the Sentul district police headquarters, where some 20 Hindu civil society groups gathered to lodge reports against Zakir over his comments disparaging Malaysia’s Indians.

“The Indian community came to his (Dr Mahathir’s) rescue to change the government in the last general election. Now that he’s in power, he cannot defend us? This isn’t a failure on Zakir’s side. This is a failure on Dr Mahathir’s side. And, Dr Mahathir is sending the wrong message to the nation.”

He said the prime minister’s betrayal hurts more than the preacher’s comments.

“We thought Dr Mahathir would defend all citizens. But he failed that yesterday.”

Arun said the Hindu groups will not stop trying to get Zakir deported, adding that they hope for 10,000 police reports to be lodged against the Mumbai-born preacher for his remarks against Hindus recently.

A 'wanted' poster of Mumbai-born preacher Zakir Naik, whose comments on Malaysia's Indians and Hindus have sparked an uproar. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Nazir Sufari, August 14, 2019.

Zakir, at a ceramah in Kota Baru, said it is unfortunate that Hindus in Malaysia are more loyal to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi than Dr Mahathir.

Despite India’s request for him to be extradited to face a slew of charges in his home country, he has been granted permanent residency in Malaysia.

Yesterday, Dr Mahathir said Zakir cannot be repatriated as his life may be at risk in India.

“He is here because if he is sent back, he may be killed.

“However, we welcome any country that is willing to take him.”

He brushed aside questions on Zakir’s remarks on Hindus here.

Asked if there is truth to the preacher’s statement on Hindus’ lack of loyalty to Dr Mahathir, the statesman said: “You can ask them. How would I know?” – August 14, 2019.

Members of Hindu civil groups calling for Indian preacher Zakir Naik to be deported, outside the Sentul district police headquarters today. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Nazir Sufari, August 14, 2019.

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Comments

  • May be Mahathir cannot handle the pressure anymore. In the interest of the Nation, he should relinquish his premier post.

    Posted 6 years ago by Swaminaidu Venkatasamy · Reply

  • Our PM-to-be is quiet about this issue, what can we expect him to do when he becomes the PM?

    Posted 6 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • I too believed its time for Zakir to go as he has become quite arrogant and boastful of late, taking advantage of the reception he is getting here. However Wisma Putra has officially declared that there is no formal request from New Dehli for him and that Zakir is also not listed on the Interpol wanted list, thus how do we get him to leave this country in a civil manner. I think we should take cue from the latest shooting incidents in the States as its actually echoing what Trump is drumming all along and some people has taken it up hence before any untowards incidents to happen here best the Immigration and our Home Office starts acting before its too late.

    Posted 6 years ago by Teruna Kelana · Reply