The fault lines in Zakir Naik controversy

Perkasa wages war against MIC over Zakir Naik

Tholu: I just saw the video clip of Perkasa secretary-general Syed Hassan Syed Ali’s press conference where he stated, “What is Zakir Naik’s wrongdoings and what has he said to degrade Hinduism?”

Well Syed Hassan, watch this video clip. If you dare to bring yourself to watch this video clip in absolute neutrality without any skewed prejudice, would you make good on your pledge to deport him to his motherland?

We know what you are fuming about is just hot air and deliberately done so to stoke the fire of hatred among Malay Muslims towards the Hindus. Fortunately, there are more intelligent and rational Malays in this country than dim-witted people like you.

Zakir, an honorary member of Perkasa? Wow! Wanted people of foreign sovereigns honoured by Perkasa?

So Perkasa, would you also make Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the current leader of Islamic State (IS) and one of the world’s most wanted men, your honorary member?

And just to satisfy my curiosity, Perkasa, was Malaysia’s top IS operative Muhamad Wandy an honorary member of your NGO too?

Anonymous #37634848: The MIC and other Hindu groups are extension of the extremist Hindu RSS organisation in India led by its chief Narendra Modi. They try to influence others to label Zakir as a terrorist and money launderer, etc.

A terrorist? The Indian government, after a vigorous investigation, declared to the Parliament last August that there was no substance in the accusation. Then, they targeted Zakir for alleged money laundering.

The intention is to cripple his activities and the IRF Foundation. Islamic Research Foundation is a charity trust. The funds are contributed by concerned Muslims all over the world. Zakir is not the beneficiary. It is a waqaf fund.

Zakir has filed his defence but the court has not heard his case yet.

Vent: Anonymous #37634848, are you a paid cybertrooper for Zakir Naik? I gather there are many more Hindu religious organisations led by many more than you mention.

But the fact of the matter is that none of them, except for some fake gurus (and quite deservedly too), have been blacklisted by any nation they have links with, and none of these leaders have ever been on any international watch list.

Will you then blame the backlash against Zakir on Islamophobia? But that’s precisely what it is! Hate preachers like Zakir make it even more difficult to exonerate Islam from the hatred and inhumanity it is struggling with in the modern world.

Hopeful123: I still believe Malay Malaysians are not that easily fooled by Perkasa or Zakir Naik. It is not about supporting MIC but being rationale.

Zakir is a fugitive wanted by the Indian government for money laundering. They have the evidence. His close associates and family members have already given their part of the story.

I urge Zakir to face the charges and clear himself. If he is found not guilty, I am sure that it will be a huge boost for him and his movement. Over to you, Zakir.

Anonymous_1421806811: The obsession of Malaysians with conmen really puzzles me. What is it about conmen that attracts Malaysians?

We have MO1 (Malaysian Official 1) – allegedly the biggest conman in the world – and yet many revere him. We have Abdul Hadi Awang, another alleged conman, yet some of his followers think he is their intermediary between them and God.

Mushiro: The special tribunal set up by the Delhi High Court said Zakir’s speeches had had an “enduring impact” and “could have inspired the attackers who struck at Dhaka’s Holey Artisan Bakery in 2016”.

Words like “could have inspired the attackers” means that the Delhi High Court is not certain about their findings. They should then investigate the ‘attackers’, not Zakir for giving his speeches.

These speeches by Zakir were given to the public and not a private session with any groups. India is just picking on their Muslim minority.

Ravinder: Our protest is against two individuals – Zakir Naik and Perlis mufti Asri Zainul Abidin. Just because these two persons are Muslim by no stretch of the imagination does it mean the protest is against Islam.

Perkasa’s Ibrahim Ali and his ilk should understand this and not twist this and equate complaints against two Muslim persons as complaints against Islam. It is very mischievous for them to do so.

What the two did (speaking bad about other religions) is against the teachings of Islam, is it not? Can Ibrahim Ali show us where in the true teachings of Islam does it say that Muslims should speak bad about others’ beliefs?

Does Ibrahim Ali mean to say that Muslim personalities have the freedom of speech to speak bad about others’ religions? Did not the Prophet say “to you yours and to me mine”?

Gerard Lourdesamy: Good, please deliver on your threat, Perkasa. The four remaining MIC seats can go to the Pakatan Harapan in GE14. Frankly, with or without representation, Indians have survived in this country since 1957.

Zakir Naik is a wanted man as far as the Indian government is concerned. That is why the Interpol red notice has been issued against him.

Are we going to lie about Zakir’s whereabouts in breach of our international obligations? If Perkasa is slighted by Zakir’s treatment, go to India and protest there. Stop hiding a fugitive.

Hplooi: So a non-citizen can be a member of this Malaysian NGO. While Zakir does not overtly (or openly state he) support IS (Islamic State), the ideological framework promoted by Zakir is exactly the same as IS.

If Zakir is allowed to spread his brand of extreme Wahhabism, the divide between the Muslims and ‘others’ will grow into a chasm.

Kangkung: On Feb 13, 2012, then home minister Hishammuddin Hussein said, “Malaysia is not a safe haven” for fugitives, when the Umno government, despite pleas from human rights groups deported Saudi journalist Hamza Kashgari.

Now, they are fighting tooth and nail to shield a fugitive, Zakir Naik, who is wanted for money laundering charges in India.

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