The Malaysian Insight

LET them bark, said controversial preacher Dr Zakir Naik of his many critics, who want him out of Malaysia.

The televangelist said he counts both Muslims and non-Muslims among his fans, adding that the non-Muslims he has met “love me”.

“I went to an Indian doctor the other day, and he would not take my money. He said, ‘How can I take Zakir Naik’s money?’

“He was a Hindu. It was the same with the Chinese I’ve met,” Zakir told the audience at his second public lecture in Kota Baru, Kelantan, today.

He said the people who are against him and want him out of the country are politically motivated, describing them as “secular, hypocritical, non-performing Muslims”.

He insisted that most Muslims and non-Muslims are fond of him, and vowed to continue with his missionary work.

Zakir was responding to a question from a member of the audience, which mostly comprised civil servants, on how he deals with the pressure from his detractors.

A petition started on May 27 last year urging that he be deported to his home country of India has gotten 35,556 signatures. Another such petition, started on April 30, has received 17,000 signatures.

In comparison, a June 12 petition in support of Zakir staying in Malaysia has gotten 12,747 signatures.

Recently, an open letter addressed to the preacher was published, urging him to leave the country voluntarily after Interpol refused to issue a Red Notice against him. The author said Zakir should leave as he has caused discord among Malaysians.

Interpol publishes Red Notices at the request of member countries. A Red Notice does not amount to an international arrest warrant, but serves as a wanted persons notice.

PAS leaders, however, have invited and hosted him for his three-day visit to Kelantan.

At today’s talk, Deputy Menteri Besar Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah said the state government’s support is to show solidarity with Zakir in the face of the persistent attacks against him.

“Because they are unable to openly debate with Zakir, his enemies try all sorts of underhanded tactics. This is a favourite tactic of the enemies of Islam who want to stop the spread of the religion.”

India has, since 2016, repeatedly requested for Zakir’s extradition, saying he is wanted on charges of terrorism, spreading hate and money-laundering.

He has maintained that the charges are “trumped up and fictitious”.

Today, Zakir said it is not ordinary Indians who dislike him, but unscrupulous politicians in the South Asian country.

“Even in India, I am loved by many Hindus. It is because many Hindus love me that politicians who want to divide Hindus and Muslims are trying to get rid of me.

“But when my case went to court, the judge asked police to show him one sentence proving that I’ve promoted violence towards non-Muslims. When they could not find this, the judge dropped the case against me.”

He said such challenges are part and parcel of his work as a missionary, which he continues in Malaysia.

“When you become an effective preacher and missionary, your enemies will grow.” – August 8, 2019.