Dr Zakir a wise man, says Zahid

PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has praised Dr Zakir Naik as a wise man and dismissed claims that the preacher, once thought of as controversial, has intentions to promote terrorism among his followers.

Zahid also said Zakir would be making a courtesy call on him tomorrow.

“He has corrected the speech he made several years ago (supporting terrorism). I have been monitoring his speeches in several countries including in India and on reasons why he is not allowed entry into the United Kingdom and Canada.

“I have all the information. He has no intention to promote terrorism,” Zahid told reporters during a Home Ministry function at Putrajaya today.

The deputy prime minister made these comments when asked by reporters why Zakir had been given the go-ahead to speak publicly after many of his previous talks were related to terrorism.

Asked why Zakir had been named Maal Hijrah icon in 2013, Zahid said the preacher from India was nominated for his contributions in preaching Islam. “He is a medical doctor but has a keen interest in preaching Islam.”

Zahid however did give his assurance that the police would continue to monitor the preacher’s movements despite the latter’s willingness to change the topic of his next speech.

Two days ago, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Shahidan Kassim, said the preacher would go ahead with his talk since the ban on him speaking publicly had been lifted.

Instead of talking about the “Similarities Between Hinduism and Islam”, Zakir will now speak on “Women’s Rights in Islam.”

Shahidan also said Zakir’s lecture, titled “Is the Quran God’s Word” at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on April 16 would go ahead as planned, although it came with a stern warning that it should not include anything sensitive.

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