Health Minister Dr S Subramaniam described controversial preacher Zakir Naik as an “avoidable distraction” for Malaysia, warning that he could undermine the country’s unity.

“Malaysia’s Islamic foundation or its multi-religious national texture is certainly not going to be nourished by Zakir Naik’s preaching.

“On the contrary, it would only be inciting divisive forces to distort the unifying tenets of Islam as (is) currently practised in the country,” he said in a statement today.

Subramaniam, who is also MIC president, pointed out that Zakir Naik’s evangelist TV channel featuring his sermons have been banned in several countries including Bangladesh, Canada and the UK.

“When a large Muslim country like Bangladesh has taken action against Zakir Naik , we in Malaysia should never allow a proven provocateur to remain in our midst advocating his nefarious and divisive form of Islamic worldview.

“Given the space, Zakir Naik would also infiltrate into our national space to disrupt national harmony, which could lead to undesirable actions of grave consequence to national peace and stability,” he said.

Subramaniam said Malaysia has good religious scholars to turn to without the need for Zakir.

“We, as a nation,, do not need Zakir Naik when our own Islamic scholars are far more adept and competent in advocating the Islamic faith to Malaysians befitting our own national heritage and rich and pluralistic history,” he said.

Subramaniam stressed that Zakir should not be allowed to use his “questionable” religious credentials to solicit support in Malaysia in trying to escape prosecution in India.

Meanwhile, MCA religious harmony bureau chief Ti Lian Ker, in a separate statement, said the government must take note of the discomfort and uneasiness of among the multireligious communities in Malaysia, against Zakir, who "has no respect of our religious sensitivities in multifaith Malaysia". 

He said the government, especially the Home Ministry, must account as to why Zakir was awarded permanent resident (PR) status, since he is known for creating tension. 

"Malaysia and the BN government always promotes moderation, mutual understanding and respect. These ethos have been and remain the very foundation of our nation. We should not risk these cherished values with Dr Zaik, when especially of late, when there are elements of religious extremism and religious-based terrorism taking root in Malaysia, of which Bukit Aman’s Special Branch is going all out to counter terrorist elements.

Thus, the government has to be mindful to not acknowledge or give special privileges or treatment to preachers like Zakir, Ti added. 

He noted that there were "Malaysians" more deserving of PR/citizenship status, who have not been awarded such status despite having proven their loyalty and contributed to the country. 

Ti then highlighted the plight of stateless children who are born to Malaysians, but end up in limbo due to their births not being registered by their parents.

"These stateless children of at least one Malaysian parent are denied the privilege of being registered for schooling. In the name of humanity, their citizenship rights should be given or restored for the good of the nation," he said. 

Zakir is presently wanted by Indian law enforcement for money-laundering offences.

Right-wing group Perkasa has embraced him, and even granted him an honorary membership.