KUALA LUMPUR: Nineteen people have started court proceedings to have preacher Dr Zakir Naik branded a national security threat.
One plaintiff, Asiah Abd Jalil, said that as a Muslim she was concerned about Dr Zakir’s speeches, adding that Islam does not teach its followers to belittle other cultures and religions.
Another, Muhammad Mujahidin Zulkiffli, said he rejected Dr Zakir’s radicalism while lawyer Siti Zabedah Kassim said they had filed the action to uphold Islamic teachings.
The plantiffs named the Government, Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, Immigration Department director-general, National Registration Department director-general and the Inspector-General of Police as defendants.
Also among the 19 are former deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department P. Waytha Moorthy, who is Hindraf chairman; Dr Lim Teck Ghee and other activists; Sabah STAR (Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku) president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan; and several businessmen.
According to court documents, the plaintiffs want Dr Zakir’s status as a permanent resident in Malaysia to be immediately revoked if it has been granted to him.
They are also petitioning the court to deport the preacher and to prevent him from ever entering the country, even as a tourist.
A court order directing the IGP to arrest Dr Zakir immediately is on their list of wants as well.
Waytha, who is also a lawyer, told reporters at the court complex yesterday that the authorities have not responded to letters asking about Dr Zakir’s status and whereabouts.
The group’s originating summons was filed at the High Court registry that day through lawyer S. Karthigesan.
Read more at http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/03/02/declare-zakir-a-national-threat-19-also-want-court-to-revoke-preachers-pr-status-if-granted/#QQrfqHHfTekhTRg1.99
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