More trouble is in store for controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, as groups in Malaysia want his entry into the country banned for ever.
Hindu Rights Action Force (HINDRAF), a Hindu group, and few other citizens have petitioned the Kuala Lampur High Court asking to declare Naik as a national threat.
The group has petitioned that Naik be declared as a threat to the country’s security, public order, economy and peace.
Dr. Zakir Naik is a person capable of threatening national security, harmony and universal peace of Malaysians as he has openly advocated and encouraged terrorism,” the petition read.
The petitioners have also asked the court to refuse Naik permanent residency status (in case he currently enjoys that).
The petition filed by many leaders of the HINDRAF including its President Waytha Moorthy has also asked the court to issue an order restraining Zakir Naik from entering Malaysia as a tourist or using any other visa.
Nineteen people including Waythamoorthy, academic Lim Teck Ghee, lawmaker Datuk Jeffrey Kitingan and activist Peter John Jaban have signed the petition.
Asiah Abd Jalil, a lawyer, told a local newspaper that she was concerned about Dr Zakir’s speeches, adding that Islam does not teach its followers to belittle other cultures and religions.
The Malaysian Government, Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, Immigration Department director-general, National Registration Department director-general and the Inspector-General of Police were named as defendants in the case.
With the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in India issuing fresh summons for controversial Islamic preacher at the end of February in cases related to money laundering, the televangelist has continued to remain outside India.
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Naik who is an NRI was running the now-banned NGO Islamic Research Foundation from Saudi Arabia, according to latest reports.
Earlier reports had suggested that Zakir Naik was in Malaysia, a country that even Dawood Ibrahim had used as a safe haven for a few years. Indian authorities according to Hindustan Times were concerned that Naik had been granted citizenship by Malaysia.
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Apart from the ED summons, he has also been asked by the National Investigating Agency to appear for questioning.
There are cases against him under sections of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), 153A IPC for promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony.
He came under scrutiny after one of the Dhaka attackers were found to be influenced by his speeches.
July 26, 2024
