Those opposing preacher Zakir Naik's permanent resident status in Malaysia need to be schooled on what the government can do, said Perkasa vice-president Hassan Basri.

This comes after former de facto law minister Zaid Ibrahim said he will file a lawsuit to challenge Zakir's PR status, after Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed Zakir was granted permanent residency five years ago.

"Malaysia a sovereign country, just like any other country, has the rights and regulations to give permanent residency to anyone at all.

"In fact, Malaysia has awarded tens of thousands of foreigners permanent resident status, as long as they fulfill requirements.

"So who are these one or two nobodies trying to be a champion and teach the government what is already its rights in awarding permanent residency?" he asked in a statement.

He also questioned why there are no objections to citizens of China and India who overstay using tourist or student visas.

He added that Zakir is labelled an extremist simply because no one can counter his arguments in his comparative religion lectures where he always concludes that Islam is the best religion.

Zakir, a Perkasa honorary member, is wanted by the Indian authorities who are investigating his organisation for allegedly spreading extremism.

The preacher, who is believed to be based in Saudi Arabia, told reporters in Kuala Lumpur he does not want to return to India to give his statement as he fears torture.

He said he wants investigators to quiz him in a "neutral" country like Malaysia, but the offer was rejected, he claimed.