Mujahid says meeting with Zakir Naik was to discuss Malaysia's Islamic model

Diyana Ibrahim Diyana Ibrahim Updated 7 years ago · Published on 17 Mar 2019 2:39PM · 11 Comments

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mujahid Yusof Rawa says he provided preacher Zakir Naik with a clearer picture of how Islam is practised in Malaysia. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, March 17, 2019.

MUJAHID Yusof Rawa denied he has changed his mind about controversial preacher Zakir Naik whose methods the minister had once described as.demeaning to other faiths and unsuitable for a multiracial country such as Malaysia. 

The de facto Islamic Affairs minister said his meeting with Zakir last Wednesday was not to discuss permission for Zakir to preach, but to talk about the Islamic model in Malaysia.

“The meeting involved (explanations) on the model of Islam, ‘rahmatan lil alamin’ and ‘maqasid shariah’ and how I could inform him on how the concepts are practised in Malaysia,” said Mujahid.

“And I think that it was a good meeting. I could explain to him the administrative policies of Islam in today’s landscape and thus he got a clearer picture,” 

“Most importantly, I could take apart the parties that tried to create animosity between me and  him. Previously I did not have a chance to explain things to him.”

Mujahid has come in for a lot of criticism from religious leaders and the public for posting on Facebook a picture of him meeting Zakir.

Last September, the minister had been opposed to Zakir’s methods which he said was demeaning to other faiths.

Zakir is wanted back home in India for supporting terrorism.

Council of Churches Malaysia general-secretary Dr Herman Shastri said Mujahid’s about-turn on Zakir is baffling and may be interpreted as approval for the preacher’s controversial sermons.

“Religious extremism has no place in any society, and we will wait to see if the good minister will offer zero tolerance of religious bigotry in the country, especially if it is coming from Islamic clerics,” Shastri told The Malaysian Insight.

Malaysian Hindu Sangam president R.S. Mohan Shan said the Hindu community were upset by Zakir’s remarks on their religion and had in the past petitioned the government to deport him to India, where is he wanted on charges of money-laundering and supporting terrorism.

“This is an inappropriate meeting at a time when people are talking about how the government is going after those who insult Islam,” said Mohan, referring to several individuals who have been charged with insulting the religion and Prophet Muhammad.  A man was recently sentenced to nearly 11 years’ jail for Facebook posts that insulted the founder of the Muslim faith. – March 17, 2019.

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Comments

  • U r toast, period.

    Posted 7 years ago by Richard Foo · Reply

  • Why do u want to discuss governance with a man who spouts hatred of non-muslims and who is a fugitive and wanted for terrorism in India. Is Malaysia a haven for these kind of people? If we want to change the world we must lead by example and usher out all terrorist and fugitives. By your action you have shown yourself to be as insensitive as BN and one who is willing to treat with extremists whose only purpose in life is to create disharmony. You have shown a remarkable tendency to disregard the feelings of fellow Malaysians and accord fine treatment to a man who is not a citizen and who does not share our values our traditions and our culture

    Posted 7 years ago by Michael Raj · Reply

  • Mujahid if you are interested in improving the Islamic model which totally broken in this country, you should not be talking to a wanted criminal, a money launderer, who would prefer a murderous corrupt Muslim leader rather than an upright non Muslim? How can he, a fraudster who cheated Malaysians for PR help. Why dont you have a chat with the Imam of the terror affected mosque in New Zealand? He May be able to repair the tainted image of Islam, tainted by many below par imams and pas who advocate liars and umno.

    Posted 7 years ago by Alphonz Jayaraman · Reply

  • Mujahid should wake up to the fact this multi-racial country requires an inclusive Islamic model that do not insult other religions and that do not alienate non-Muslims. It is clear Zakir Naik's model does not meet this criteria. The Minister should eschew pandering to so called Islamic experts who are a threat to our country's interracial harmony.

    Posted 7 years ago by Panchen Low · Reply

  • Muslims must learn not to condemn other religions or criticise other religions.If the Muslims continue with their hate for other religions another Christchurch could happen again.Zalir Naik is another of the Many Muslims hate preachers in the world .Even Muslims countries like Bangla Desh consider Zakir Naik a threat to their country but Malaysia gives him PR just to play politics with Islam.

    Posted 7 years ago by Soma Govin · Reply

  • I am not a Muslim but I trust YB Mujahid to do the right thing on this issue. There is nothing wrong to meet and have a dialog with people with different views. Do we prefer war instead of dialog?

    Having said this, I disagree with with Malaysias stance wrt to LGBT community. They should have same rights as everybody else and treated with equivalent respect they deserve.

    Posted 7 years ago by Anonymous 1234 · Reply

  • Why meet with a person like Zakir Naik who incites hatred for his views or opinions? You have us a very lame excuse, Mujahid. Stop lying, please. We have had enough from the UMNO-BN government and not having to go through another round of lies with the PH government.

    Posted 7 years ago by Rupert Lum · Reply

  • Shut up Asshole mujahid. U know shit l have stop supporting the party u n matsabu comes from u will go to Hell.

    Posted 7 years ago by Danial Abdullah · Reply

  • Dear Mujahid. Well done.

    Posted 7 years ago by It's me GR · Reply

  • You want to discuss with this wanted man (from India)? I, don't seem to understand the new crop of MP'S we have. No substance at all. Most of them want to be popular with one segment of the population. The others don't matter to them.

    Posted 7 years ago by Rance ramasamy · Reply

  • So-called ministers, that are useless and retogressive to the betterment of Malaysia, like Mujahid will hopefully be gotten rid of very, very soon. Hopefully mujahid will lose in the next GE

    Posted 7 years ago by Soma Menon · Reply