IT is bewildering that Dr Zakir Naik is allowed to keep preaching his brand of extremism in this country. It is infringing the law of the land.
It is worrying that his rhetoric that enhance the philosophy of religious supremacy by comparing religions seem to be gradually growing in arrogance.
Obviously and ironically, he is emboldened by the strong support indicated in our own political landscape.
He undermines other religions with contempt and in doing so, fuels the extremists into aggression. He has done it many times before in other countries and this is the main reason it is difficult to find a country that will take him in.
He is believed to have inspired many terrorist acts in some of those countries that have banned him. He may not directly be involved in terrorist activities but is equally responsible when he instigates and provokes those who carry out such extreme criminal offences.
Instigation and provocation are defined in our law as abetment.
We will face the same risk if we do not take affirmative action to put a stop to this type of religious rhetoric. Malaysia at the moment is quite volatile with the transition of its political landscape and we cannot afford any racial or religious flare-ups as the consequences can be extremely dire.
It is not uncommon for politicians to use him for their own agenda but it is quite bewildering that the authorities have not applied the rule of law on him, especially when there are elements of offences under Sections 298 and 298A of the Penal Code.
The evidence requires that he uttered those words, gestures, etc, that he deliberately wounded the religious feelings of others. Section 298A is a seizeable offence and he must be held accountable by this law.
Section 298 of the Penal Code is an offence for uttering words with deliberate intent to wound any religious feeling of any person while Section 298A is more serious for causing disharmony, or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill will, or prejudicing the maintenance of harmony or unity, on grounds of religion.
Racial and religious extremists exist in all parts of the world and they have the right to say what they want as long as it does not create unrest among the people of other faiths. In this case, Zakir keeps overstepping the rational bounds of that understanding.
So why has the rule of law not kicked in yet for him? The longer the delay in applying the rule of law, the deeper he digs in here.
This may be his objective as he is wanted in his country for money-laundering and terrorism-related charges. The more we wait the more he insulates himself with his brand of instigative and provocative overtures.
The custodians of our criminal justice system must ensure that everyone is subject to the laws of the land. Action must be taken swiftly regardless of any socio-political pressure. That is the hallmark of fair and firm enforcement.
We must not subscribe to selective prosecution for fear of upsetting those in the corridors of power. The 1Malaysia Development Bhd scandal should be the yardstick of why firm action is required early and swiftly.
And yes, I am a Hindu, born here and my loyalty is to the nation and the Malaysian people. – August 14, 2019.
* G. Selva reads The Malaysian Insight.
* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.
History, propaganda are no bedfellows
Penang Institute wants to draw locals back to lit fest
Honouring the spirit of Malaysia 1963
Umno bukan lagi pemain politik negara, kata penganalisis
Comments
Posted 6 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply
Posted 6 years ago by Anonymous 1234 · Reply
Posted 6 years ago by Mindy Singh · Reply
Posted 6 years ago by Muzamil Hanafiah · Reply
ref:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jemaah_Islamiyah
Will history be repeated?
Posted 6 years ago by Malaysian First · Reply
Posted 6 years ago by Mindy Singh · Reply
Posted 6 years ago by Mindy Singh · Reply
Posted 6 years ago by Sunita petrus · Reply
Posted 6 years ago by Danial Abdullah · Reply