The Malaysian government has confirmed that there is no longer a ban preventing controversial preacher Dr Zakir Naik from delivering public speeches in the country. Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail clarified in the Dewan Rakyat that while a temporary ban was imposed in 2019, it is no longer in effect.
Dr Zakir Naik, a Mumbai-born Islamic preacher, has been a contentious figure in Malaysia since his arrival. In 2019, he was barred from public speaking following his remarks about the Hindu and Chinese communities in Malaysia during a speech in Kota Bharu.
The police had issued a directive preventing him from delivering public addresses, citing national security concerns and the need to maintain racial harmony.
However, Saifuddin's recent statement indicates that Naik is now free to resume his public engagements. This revelation came in response to a query from RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong), who questioned whether the previous restrictions remained in place.
Despite the lifting of the ban, Naik remains a highly divisive figure. He has been wanted by Indian authorities since 2016 on allegations of money laundering and inciting extremism through hate speech. While India has requested his extradition, Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stated that Malaysia will not comply as long as Naik does not create public unrest.
In December 2021, Naik claimed that he was never officially informed of any ban on public speaking and continued to engage with smaller groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last month, he reportedly spoke at the Perlis International Sunnah Convention 2025, where he urged Malaysian Muslims to intensify their efforts in spreading Islam to non-Muslims. His statements, suggesting that Malaysians were not fully utilizing laws that allow proselytization, have once again sparked debate.
The lifting of the ban raises several questions: Will this decision encourage Zakir Naik to take a more provocative stance? How will Malaysia balance its diplomatic ties with India while granting Naik continued refuge?
As he resumes his public engagements, the government must carefully navigate these complex social and geopolitical dynamics to prevent further division among Malaysians.
By: Kpost
Information Source: Fmt
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