Zakir Naik’s talk gives students reality check, says UUM

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 12 Apr 2019 12:33PM · 6 Comments

Universiti Utara Malaysia has defended its invitation to preacher Zakir Naik, who will be giving a speech at the university next Thursday. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, April 12, 2019

CONTROVERSIAL preacher Zakir Naik is invited to deliver a talk at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) as he would expose students to “social realities and current issues”, the university said in a statement today.

UUM deputy vice-chancellor of student affairs and alumni Professor Hendrik Lamsali said the “Duty of a Muslim as a professional: Dr Zakir Naik” programme will be an academic discussion.

“It is aimed at exposing students, who will be managers and professions in the future, to social realities and current issues.”

Hendrik said UUM had in the past invited many high-profile speakers to give talks, while making sure none of the programmes were religiously sensitive to safeguard campus and student harmony.

He, however, did not name the past speakers or the programmes they were invited for.

“UUM is not going to force its students to attend (the Zakir Naik programme). The programme is open to anyone who is interested.

“We also advise students to keep an open mind and be courteous when dealing with different views.”

UUM courted controversy when it approved the programme that will take place next Thursday night at the university in Sintok, Kedah.

The talk is organised by students under UUM student affairs department’s Perkim Club.

Recently, Zakir and his wife Farhat Naik had a tour in neighbouring Perlis, speaking at various venues.

The programme by Perlis’ One Centre Malaysia last December saw Zakir lecturing on Islam, humanity, unity and science; while his wife spoke about Muslim women, “dakwah” and motherhood in ladies-only lectures.

Despite his popularity among Muslims in Malaysia, Zakir has a controversial reputation in his home country of India, where he is wanted for allegedly inciting communal disharmony, and other unlawful activities.

He became a subject of investigations in India and Bangladesh after two suspects in a terror attack that left 22 dead in Dhaka in July 2016, claimed that they were inspired by his “radical preaching”.

His non-governmental organisation, the Islamic Research Foundation, was also investigates for alleged money laundering.

Zakir had always maintained his innocence, denying claims that he had ever promoted terror in the name of Islam or otherwise.

In July last year, Zakir accused the media of using doctored video clips, quotes that were taken out of context and other “dishonest schemes” to accuse him of terrorism, hate speech and money laundering.

Indian authorities have long revoked his passport in efforts to get him back.

He has been staying in Malaysia, which granted him permanent residency in 2012. – April 12, 2019

Sign up or sign in here to comment.

Comments

  • The students will get a massive reality check when they apply to join the job market. They don't need a wayward preacher to add to their future woes.

    Posted 5 years ago by Simple Sulaiman · Reply

  • If he goes ahead and talk about after life, the students will be doomed. Reality?

    Posted 5 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • UUM is well known for its Umno racist operatives.Zakir Naik is an extremist hate preacher and he is a criminal fugitive banned from many countries and wanted to stand trial ofor money laundering.

    Posted 5 years ago by Soma Govin · Reply

  • What a load of bull from the Prof. What reality check and social contributions can a con man using skew religious knowlege impart to students who are joining many more in the open market looking for at least a job to feed themselves. Can he create job out no where, less he is blessed and has miracle power to do so. So UUM stop the crap . It is more of religious inplantations to hold the students in bondage in the guise of exposing the students to outside world. I hope the PM wakes up to all these nonsences in making the malay race weak.

    Posted 5 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply

  • Better if he talks about money-laundering in the context of Islam.

    Posted 5 years ago by Gerard Lourdesamy · Reply

    • I thought he did? Muslim thief is better isn't it? Or was it a different goon.

      Posted 5 years ago by Jebat Hebat · Reply