YOUTH and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman was panned on social media, with some calling him a hypocrite, for making peace and hosting a dinner for controversial preacher Zakir Naik.
Commenters reminded the minister that he was among the first who said Zakir should be deported for “attacking my Chinese and Indian brothers”.
In a surprise turnaround yesterday, Syed Saddiq said in a tweet that people make mistakes and Zakir had apologised, adding that he has made mistakes and felt relieved when reprimanded.
“There’s no need to beat on chests and make the situation worst. Let’s move on and the country needs healing,” tweeted Syed Saddiq.
Reacting to his tweet, lawyer and activist Ambiga Sreenevasan said she was disappointed with the minister whom she counted as one of her favourites.
“This does not heal! Your first instincts were right. This is a capitulation by you so we don’t need the drivel about apologies, etc.
“It’s insulting. You’re one of my favourite ministers and this is disappointing,” Ambiga tweeted in response.
Another twitter user going by @ashvinmenon also questioned Syed Saddiq about his actions.
“I hope you understand the optics of having a meeting with the man who has insulted half your country’s people,” said @ashvinmenon.
Others had questioned the minister for his alleged turnaround as he had recently said Zakir should be deported.
Twitter user @SokanMalaya07 posted that the minister was being hypocritical.
The twitter user had also attached a screenshot of the headline of a news article in which Syed Saddiq had said Zakir should be sent home.
“Confirm you’re a hypocrite. You were the one who chased him recently.”
User @newstradr asked if Syed Saddiq recalled what he said in the news report.
“Do you remember saying, ‘An attack against our Chinese and Indian brothers and sisters is an attack against all Malaysians.’? Maybe this will help you recall…”
Meanwhile, @Suhailrone said Syed Saddiq made the turnaround after being criticised, adding that he should be mindful before making such statements.
“Panned terribly. U-turn in the end. Next time use your brains before making statements…don’t just say that you want to send ZN (Zakir Naik) back to India. Many Malaysians are behind ZN.”
Some Twitter users, however, welcomed the meeting between Zakir and Syed Saddiq.
“Dr Zakir Naik is the good Muslim here for meeting someone who wanted to deport him,” said @eqwanroslan.
User @akify2k thanked Syed Saddiq for admitting his mistakes.
“Thank you yb for admitting your mistakes, respect.”
Zakir is currently being investigated for intentional insult to provoke a breach of trust over remarks made at a ceramah in Kota Baru, Kelantan earlier this month.
He allegedly insulted Malaysian Indians when he said they were more loyal to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He also allegedly insulted Malaysian Chinese when addressing calls for him to be go back to India, saying “older guests’ like the Chinese should go back first.
The Mumbai-born preacher is wanted in his home country for charges related to money-laundering, giving hate speeches and inciting terrorism.
Zakir, who was granted Malaysian permanent residency by the previous Barisan Nasional administration, has threatened to sue several politicians and a former ambassador for defamation, after they had attacked him for his speech in Kota Baru.
Those targeted by Zakir are Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran, Penang deputy chief minister II P. Ramasamy, Klang MP Charles Santiago, Bagan Dalam assemblyman Satees Muniandy and former ambassador Dennis J. Ignatius. – August 25, 2019.
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Comments
There must be an elder or elders who can see through this and determine what is really needed for a multi ethnic and culturally rich country like Malaysia.
This elder must set the direction and pace for a harmonious environment for all races. That means respecting all religions in the country. Why? Because our esteemed forefathers have been responsible for carving Malaysia what it is today. For selfish and political reasons, certain groups, have exploited issues about race & religion to achieve their agendas. This create racial discontent. This should not happen. At all costs, harmony in the country must be prioritised. The government should implement initiatives that integrate and promote different cultures in the country. When this is done consistently, people will begin to accept. And more people accept the practices of the different religions and cultures, there would be greater tolerance and greater acceptance.
When there is harmony, all societies benefit.. All socio-economic programmes would be successful. People of all ethnic groups, races and religion will flourish. We need to work together to achieve harmony and successes if we are to be a successful nation.
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