Tuesday, 12 April 2016 | MYT 3:12 PM
Zahid Hamidi: Dr Zakir Naik allowed to speak after change to topic of talk
PUTRAJAYA: The Government has given the green light for controversial preacher Dr Zakir Naik to talk at a event organised by Universiti Teknikal Malaysia in Malacca.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic) said authorities lifted the ban on Dr Zakir after a compromise was reached – that the theme of the talk Similarities Between Hinduism and Islam on April 17 – be changed.
"I have also spoken to the Malacca Chief Minister on this issue and has informed him on this decision," he told reporters on Tuesday.
Dr Ahmad Zahid said police could not allow the talk earlier as there were complaints made by Hindus, and not just Muslims.
Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar had said that Dr Zakir would be banned from talking at the university to safeguard public order and religious sensitivities.
Dr Zakir's presence in Malaysia has ruffled feathers with MIC Youth reportedly lodging multiple police report against him, and the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) had also asked the Government to ban the preacher from entering the country.
Dr Zakir, the Islamic Research Foundation president, started a series of lectures in Terengganu last week, on the invitation of the state government.
He was scheduled to talk at the hockey stadium in Bukit Jalil on Apr 16, in a forum titled Is the Quran God's Word.
Dr Zakir last visited Malaysia in 2012 and his presence also received similar protest by the Hindu community then.
Dr Zakir, a recipient of Tokoh Maal Hijrah award in 2013, had reportedly angered the Hindu community by insulting their deities along and the vegetarian practices of the faith.
He has also been denied entry into Canada and the United Kingdom in 2012 after reportedly expressing support for terrorist group Al-Qaeda.
