Is ceramah ban on Zakir Naik still in effect, MP asks

Summary

• RSN Rayer questions whether the ceramah ban on Zakir Naik is still in effect and why the Indian preacher was allowed to give a ceramah in Perlis.

• The ban was imposed in 2019 after Zakir made controversial remarks about Hindu and Chinese Malaysians during a ceramah in Kelantan.

A government MP today raised questions about the reappearance of preacher Zakir Naik, who was previously banned from delivering ceramah in the country.

Jelutong lawmaker RSN Rayer brought up the matter following a news report stating that Zakir recently gave a ceramah in Perlis.

“I would like to ask the police, especially the inspector-general of police, whether this ban is still in effect.

“If this report (that Zakir gave a ceramah) is true, my question is, why did Zakir not comply with the ban on delivering speeches and preaching imposed on him?” he said at a press conference in Parliament today.

Rayer also questioned if the police would investigate and prosecute Zakir in court.

According to The Scoop, Zakir gave a speech at an event in Kangar on Sunday (Feb 2).

Previously, the police issued a directive to all state contingents prohibiting Zakir from delivering public lectures nationwide.

The ban was after Zakir reportedly made controversial remarks about Hindu and Chinese communities in Malaysia during a lecture in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, on Aug 3, 2019.

Previously, seven states had prohibited lectures by the preacher, including Malacca, Johor, Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Perlis, and Sarawak.

Rayer noted that the police readily initiated investigations against former Damansara MP Tony Pua and Seputeh MP Teresa Kok following police reports lodged against them.

He added that the authorities are also investigating comedian Harith Iskander and Facebook user Cecilia Yap over allegations of touching on 3R (royalty, religion, and race) issues.

He emphasised that all parties should respect religious and racial sensitivities and ensure their actions do not cross the line.

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