Muhyiddin: Zakir still being probed, no special treatment
GOMBAK: Nobody is above the law in Malaysia, including Dr Zakir Naik, Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said today.
Speaking at a press conference, Muhyiddin said that even though Muslims look up to Zakir as a respected Islamic scholar, the latter is still subject to investigation for allegedly inciting racial tension.
“We are aware that Zakir’s statements have caused discomfort, hence why it is important to mete out justice.
“No one is above the law. Certainly not citizens, much less a permanent resident, even one as respected for his knowledge such as Zakir,” Muhyiddin said after launching the International Seminar on Religious Values in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, at the International Islamic University.
Recently, the controversial Islamic preacher drew the ire of many Malaysians for questioning the loyalty of Hindus in Malaysia, claiming the community was more loyal to Indian prime minister Narendra Modi as opposed to Malaysian premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Zakir Naik had also called Malaysian Chinese as ‘guests’ in the country and urged them to go back to where they came from.
On the matter, Muhyiddin said that the government is still waiting for a full report from the police in regards to Zakir’s inflammatory speech.
He added that discussion on whether Zakir should be deported or otherwise would not affect police investigations.
“It is not up to the police to decide on deporting him since it’s not under their purview.
“Malaysian law does not obligate us to send someone back to their home country upon request from its government. If we feel there is a legitimate concern, we may not do so,” Muhyiddin said.
Asked if pictures of Bersatu Youth chief Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman with the preacher suggested that Zakir was enjoying political protection, Muhyiddin said the former only represented himself in the matter.
“His actions do not speak for the government or the party. Many have met with Zakir. It’s nothing unusual.
“Whatever the case, it will not disrupt the ongoing investigations,” said Muhyiddin, who is also Bersatu’s president.
Zakir has been called by the police twice to record his statement at the Bukit Aman police headquarters in the last two weeks.
By G Vinod
