KLANG MP Charles Santiago has confirmed receiving a legal notice from controversial preacher Dr Zakir Naik.

Santiago said he would consult his lawyers for a response.

“I am waiting to hear from my legal team and will proceed as advised. 

“I will keep the public and media posted as this is a matter of public interest. Thank you,” the DAP lawmaker told The Malaysian Insight on WhatsApp today.

Santiago said he could not take a call for further comment as he was debating the national budget in Dewan Rakyat.

Malaysiakini reported today that Zakir had sent a legal notice to Santiago for allegedly linking him to the arrests of 12 individuals over attempts to revive the defunct Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) separatist group.

According to the notice, the Klang MP allegedly slandered Zakir statements during a talk on November 25. 

The remarks were subsequently published by a news portal under the headline “Criticisms of Zakir may have led to LTTE arrests”.

Zakir, who has permanent residency in Malaysia, gave Santiago 48 hours to retract his remarks.

This is not the first time the DAP leader and Zakir have crossed swords.

On September16, Santiago was quizzed by the police for several hours for allegedly defaming and provoking Zakir. 

Santiago had urged the government to discuss what he saw as Zakir meddling in national affairs. 

Zakir had subsequently lodged police reports against Santiago, Human Resource Minister M. Kulasegaran, former ambassador Dennis J Ignatius, Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy  and Bagan Dalam assemblyman Satees Muniandy.

Zakir is wanted in India for alleged money-laundering and inciting terrorism. 

The Pakatan Harapan administration has been criticised for not revoking Zakir’s PR status after he made allegedly racist remarks during a ceramah a few months ago. – November 27, 2019.