Zakir Naik must be protected, PAS leader says at Ummah rally


Mohd Farhan Darwis

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man told protesters at the Gerakan Pembela Ummah rally today that the opposition to Zakir Naik was due to the seeping of the 'liberal agenda' into religious institutions. - The Malaysian Insight pic by Hasnoor Hussain, May 4, 2019.

THE Gerakan Pembela Ummah (Ummah) rally today heard calls to defend controversial preacher Zakir Naik from deportation back to India, where he is facing money-laundering charges.

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man told protesters that they must prevent Putrajaya from deporting the preacher, whom India also accused of inciting followers to commit acts of terrorism.

“Please defend Zakir Naik. We cannot allow the government to extradite him back to India. We have to defend him against slander,” Tuan Ibrahim said in a speech at the rally outside the Sogo shopping complex.

An online petition for Putrajaya to deport Zakir was started about two weeks ago by a London-based activist after suicide attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka.

Tuan Ibrahim said the opposition to Zakir was due to the seeping of the “liberal agenda” into religious institutions.

“This gathering shows that Muslims are aware that the liberal agenda is threatening religious institutions.”

Though wanted in India and barred from other countries such as Canada and Britain over his alleged extremist ideology, Zakir has been living in Malaysia where he was granted permanent residency in 2012.

Despite Tuan Ibrahim’s calls to prevent the preacher from being extradited, however, Putrajaya has in fact taken a friendly approach towards Zakir, with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa calling him “an inspiration”.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has also said previously that Zakir would be allowed to stay in Malaysia as long as he did not cause trouble.

Yesterday, The Hindu news portal reported that India had charged Zakir with money-laundering over activities surrounding his Mumbai-based Islamic Research Foundation. – May 4, 2019.


Sign up or sign in here to comment.


Comments


  • Than Ibrahhim is not the government he can say whatever he wants. Government must maintain a cool head when it comes to international relationship. The episode of Anifah having gone to N K to secure the release of our Malaysians taken captive in the embassy is not so distant. Think before committing anything stupid.

    Posted 4 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • WHY NOT???!!

    Posted 4 years ago by Awang Bilis · Reply

  • WHY NOT???!!

    Posted 4 years ago by Awang Bilis · Reply

  • The best way for Zakir Naik to defend himself is in a court of law..how can he defend himself hiding hear..silly man

    Posted 4 years ago by Julian Nagelsmann · Reply

  • For the record..Zakir Naik is accused of money laundering RM113 million..like our ex PM

    Posted 4 years ago by Julian Nagelsmann · Reply

  • Soon Malaysia will be a haven for fugitive Islamic preachers who must come with one important credential, the ability to poke fun and riducule other faiths so that the muslims in kampongs can feel their religious superiority.

    Posted 4 years ago by Eric Lim · Reply

  • 1. The fact that ZN is also not allowed in Bangladesh, a Muslim majority country makes the whole issue of ZN being here a bit confusing. 2. From the court cases against our ex PM and other ex leaders involving such huge amounts of money in question, money laundering charges are very serious matters. ZN should clear his name in the courts in India. 3. How many other Indian Muslims in India are unable to practise their faith in peace because of this action of Malaysia and ZN. 4. Is this our contribution to World Islamic brotherhood?. If there was no money laundering charges, the whole issue will be seen in a different light. 5. Those who feel strongly about helping ZN, should help him financially to engage good lawyers to fight his case to clear his name and live honourably.

    Posted 4 years ago by Citizen Pencen · Reply

  • Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man told protesters that they must prevent Putrajaya from deporting the preacher. Zakir Naik is an international criminal wanted for money laundering. Why should we protect a criminal when our country subscribes to the rule of law?

    Posted 4 years ago by Roger 5201 · Reply