Five named in Zakir Naik's police report to be called up next week

Police will summon the five individuals in Dr Zakir Naik's police report to have their statements recorded next week.

The controversial preacher had named Human Resources Minister M Kulasegaran, Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy, Klang MP Charles Santiago, former ambassador Dennis J Ignatius, and Bagan Dalam assemblyperson M Satees in the report he filed for alleged defamation.

"We will call all who made the remarks by next week," Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department chief Huzir Mohamed told reporters in Cheras today.

"Prior to this, we had informed them (to come forward), but they have yet to come."

In his police report, Zakir had accused the five of defaming him with their statements and articles.

"The press releases and articles had misled and confused the public at large towards the true intention of my speech in spreading dakwah (missionary work), peace and harmony among the citizens," the report reads.

“The said individuals had wrongly quoted me out of context during my reply to one of the questions posed to me after my speech on the topic 'Misconceptions about Islam'. 

"Clearly, they had twisted and manipulated to my disadvantage and to feed their mischievous own political agenda."

Zakir was referring to his speech last month in Kota Bharu, during which he suggested that Indian Malaysians were more loyal to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi than Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

In the same speech, he also referred to Chinese Malaysians as "old guests." He has since apologised, but claimed his remarks were taken out of context.

'We don't run away from the law'

Ramasamy (photo) later told Malaysiakini that he is ready to have his statement recorded.

"I don’t remember the Bukit Aman CID chief asking us to come forward earlier. I am ready to give my statement," he said.

"We don’t run away from the law in Malaysia, not like the fugitive Zakir."

Following the remarks in Kota Bharu, hundreds of police reports were filed against Zakir. He visited Bukit Aman several times to have his statements recorded.

Police had submitted the investigation papers to the Attorney-General's Chambers and are now awaiting further instruction.

He has been barred from making public speeches nationwide.

Despite the incident, Zakir continues to receive invitations to religious events.

Yesterday, he led an over 2,000-strong congregation to perform prayers at Masjid Cina in Malacca.

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