The Malaysian Insight

POLICE officers from Bukit Aman questioned Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy this morning for allegedly defaming controversial preacher Zakir Naik.

The officers met Ramasamy at his office in Komtar at 9.20am.

The team will also question Bagan Dalam assemblyman Satees Muniandy later today over the same issue.

Last week, CID director Huzir Mohamed said police would call up several individuals, including a minister, who allegedly defamed Zakir.

Zakir lodged police reports against Ramasamy, Satees, Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran, Klang MP Charles Santiago, and former ambassador Dennis J. Ignatius, alleging they defamed him by taking his speeches out of context.

Zakir’s speeches at religious ceramah in Kota Baru, Kelantan, early last month, riled up Hindus and Chinese Malaysians.

But the India-born preacher, who has permanent residency in Malaysia, denied insulting anyone.

Zakir reportedly said Hindus here are more loyal to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi than to Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and that if he must return to India, Chinese Malaysians, whom he called “old guests”, should also “go back” to where they came from.

Zakir himself is under police investigation for insulting with intent to provoke a breach of the peace. – September 11, 2019.