Zakir Naik stays despite ‘insulting’ remarks, says Dr Mahathir 

Noel Achariam Noel Achariam Updated 4 years ago · Published on 13 Aug 2019 7:17PM · 8 Comments

The provocative Zakir Naik is here because the prime minister believes that ‘if he is sent back he might be killed’. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, August 13, 2019.

PRIME Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today reiterated that controversial speaker Zakir Naik will remain in Malaysia after his latest remarks questioning the loyalty of Malaysian Hindus to their country.

He said Zakir could not be repatriated because his life could be at risk in India.

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

“However, we welcome any country that is willing to take him,” he said at the KLIA 21st anniversary celebration in Sepang.

Zakir has come under fire from the Hindus in the country after he allegedly said in a talk in Kelantan that the community was more loyal to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi than it was to Dr Mahathir.

Earlier, Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran said he would raise Zakir’s permanent residency to the cabinet tomorrow, in connection with the Indian preacher’s perceived insult to the Hindus.

He said Zakir’s “presence in Malaysia is embarrassing to all Malaysians” and his status here must be reviewed.

“His actions (are not the actions of one) deserving of permanent resident status and this will be brought up in the next cabinet meeting,” Kulasegaran, who is also the national DAP vice-chairman, said in a statement today.

Meanwhile, when asked whether it was true that Malaysian Hindus were more loyal to the Indian prime minister than they were to him, Dr Mahathir said: “You can ask them. How would I know?” – August 13, 2019

Sign up or sign in here to comment.

Comments

  • I think that Dr Mahathir is taking a page out of Trumps playbook by appealing to the worst instincts of his base and that of the larger Malay populace. Sadly these dirty tricks still work in a moribund Malay society.

    Posted 4 years ago by Simple Sulaiman · Reply

  • Zakir Naik is a threat to the very unique quality which makes Malaysia special; Multiracial, multi ethnicity. His islamic related preaching is none of my business. But, he doesnt have any rights to talk about us, Malaysians or about Malaysian politics. That is none of his business. He should be out of here.

    Posted 4 years ago by Raghu Thiyagarajan · Reply

  • TDM may have forgetten that he ever mentioned ZN may stay as long as he does not create troubles in Malaysia. Looking at ZN now, he is obviously creating troubles. Why should he stay?

    Posted 4 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • You can ask them. How would I know?

    Aisay Mahathir, if you do not know your own Malaysians, the why the heck are you their prime minister? Didnt you go around fishing for their votes, promising to take of them?

    Lagi satu u turn from you??

    Any wonder why more and more people loathing your leadership, arguing you are not person to lead Malaysia Baru?

    Posted 4 years ago by Rock Hensem · Reply

  • Sent him to India or Saudi please..

    Posted 4 years ago by Kalai Chelven · Reply

  • TDM Pls DONT REPEAT HISTORY. In 80s U did the same thing which caused innocent lives to go. KARMA WILL HIT HARD MATTER OF TIME. Dont be too complacent with a FUGITIVE . Undo the wrong that BN has done.

    Posted 4 years ago by Mindy Singh · Reply

  • We should just revoke his PR status and let him decide where he wishes to go. After all, doesn't he have a Saudi citizenship? Why can't he go there instead?

    Mahathir is keeping Zakir Naik here for his own political reasons. It makes Bersatu stronger at the expense of DAP.

    Posted 4 years ago by Anonymous 1234 · Reply

  • Isnt it time the Malays and Muslims ask for him to be sent to where he came? This guy reinforces intolerance and hate towards those not of the religion.

    Posted 4 years ago by Sunita petrus · Reply