A RALLY against preacher Zakir Naik scheduled for 2pm today in Brickfields has been called off by its organiser, Shankar Ganesh Siridharan, who said PKR president Anwar Ibrahim told him to do so.

However, WhatsApp messages are still being circulated among small groups and individuals, urging people to show their presence today with reminders to disperse peacefully.

Shankar said he did not want to hold the rally without permits, and Anwar’s offer to meet and discuss concerns was a better way to resolve things.

“I don’t want to go against the law. Without permits, I don’t want the public to be affected. I prefer to do it with permits.

“Anwar called me and requested for me to cancel the gathering.

“He has promised to help the Indian community.  He has given us an appointment to meet him next week to discuss our concerns.

“I have agreed to his request and I want to put my faith in his promises,” Shankar said in a statement to The Malaysian Insight.

The rally today was to express the Malaysian Indian community’s sentiments about Zakir, who allegedly insulted Malaysian Hindus during a talk he gave in Kota Baru, Kelantan earlier this month.

Zakir has been accused of saying Malaysian Hindus were more loyal to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, than to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Zakir had said his words were misinterpreted.

The rally today was also meant to protest other issues, such as the teaching of khat calligraphy to Year 4 pupils in Tamil and Chinese vernacular schools, as well as Indian poverty and marginalisation.

Shankar said the purpose of the rally was “to get results”.

Since Anwar has agreed to meet them, he hoped the PKR leader would “deliver without fail for the Indian community”. – August 24, 2019.