The Home Ministry has clarified that controversial Muslim preacher Dr. Zakir Naik is not currently barred from delivering public talks in Malaysia.
"The ban was in effect in 2019 while authorities were probing two statements he made. However, after reviewing the matter, I can confirm that there are no restrictions in place now," he said in Parliament during the winding-up speech on the Royal Address.
The clarification was provided in response to a query by RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong), who questioned whether Dr. Zakir was still banned, particularly after his recent public appearance in Perlis.
Dr. Zakir, an Indian national, has been a fugitive since 2016 when he was accused of delivering inflammatory speeches and engaging in financial misconduct. Indian authorities allege that his statements inspired a deadly attack in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which left 29 people dead. Since then, India has repeatedly sought his extradition, but Malaysia has yet to comply.
In August last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that Malaysia would consider India's request to extradite Dr. Zakir if substantial proof of extremist activities was provided. He also mentioned that while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had raised the matter in the past, it was not discussed in their most recent engagement.
Dr. Zakir has been residing in Malaysia since 2018 under asylum protection. However, his presence has been a subject of debate, with critics arguing that his views undermine Malaysia’s multicultural fabric.
In 2019, when Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad was Prime Minister, Police investigation began against Dr. Zakir's remarks on race and religion. Despite this, Tun M pointed out that Malaysia has right not to extradite him.
With the Home Ministry’s latest confirmation, it appears that the restrictions are no longer in place, allowing Dr. Zakir to continue his public engagements in Malaysia. However, whether this decision will face further scrutiny remains to be seen, given his controversial history.
Information Source: Malay Mail
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