Waytha Moorthy Ponnusamy
Published: Feb 22, 2025 7:50 AM
Updated: 10:56 AM
COMMENT | The Malaysian Advancement Party (MAP) and the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) seek an accountable and clear justification from the home minister regarding the Madani government’s decision to lift restrictions on Zakir Naik, specifically:
- The impact of the reversal of the ban imposed by the federal government on the multiple state rulers’ decrees banning him.
- The reassessment of Zakir as no longer posing a national security threat.
- The implications of this decision on the peaceful coexistence of Malaysia’s multi-ethnic and multireligious society and denial of their views which is 45 percent of the population.
This request for justification is made in the interest of and respect for:
Despite the bans imposed by multiple state religious authorities, Zakir would continue to wield considerable influence and may export his divisive views thus circumventing official bans and restrictions through the advanced use of social media.
This undermines the authority of state rulers, who serve as the highest Islamic leaders within their respective states. The state rulers’ decision to prohibit him from preaching in their territories was a well-considered measure to preserve social stability, and their authority must not be undermined by decisions that disregard their guidance.
We also urge the government to address the genuine concerns of 45 percent of non-Muslim Malaysians, who have long objected to Zakir’s presence due to his inflammatory and divisive religious rhetoric, which has deeply strained race relations.
For national unity
Non-Muslim Malaysians have never opposed the presence of thousands of foreign Muslim scholars and preachers who have been hosted by the government since independence.
- the royal institution, which governs Islamic affairs at the state level,
- national security,
- social harmony.
Despite the bans imposed by multiple state religious authorities, Zakir would continue to wield considerable influence and may export his divisive views thus circumventing official bans and restrictions through the advanced use of social media.
This undermines the authority of state rulers, who serve as the highest Islamic leaders within their respective states. The state rulers’ decision to prohibit him from preaching in their territories was a well-considered measure to preserve social stability, and their authority must not be undermined by decisions that disregard their guidance.
We also urge the government to address the genuine concerns of 45 percent of non-Muslim Malaysians, who have long objected to Zakir’s presence due to his inflammatory and divisive religious rhetoric, which has deeply strained race relations.
For national unity
Non-Muslim Malaysians have never opposed the presence of thousands of foreign Muslim scholars and preachers who have been hosted by the government since independence.
However, Zakir stands apart due to his well-documented history of inciting division through his speeches, which have led several Malaysian states - Johor, Malacca, Perlis, Kedah, Penang, and Sarawak - to ban him from preaching or even entering their jurisdictions.
Additionally, on Aug 20, 2019, the police imposed a nationwide ban on Zakir’s public speeches, citing serious concerns over national security and racial harmony.
Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad strongly justified this ban, stating that Zakir had overstepped all boundaries by making incendiary remarks, including telling ethnic Chinese Malaysians to “go back” to China and questioning the loyalty of Indian Malaysians towards Malaysia. Such statements posed an undeniable threat to national unity.
Accountability from Madani govt
In light of these historical concerns, the home minister is now duty-bound to answer the following:
- What new evidence or assurances justify the government’s belief that Zakir is no longer a security threat?
- How have the police determined that his speeches, once deemed a national security risk, are now suddenly safe for public discourse?
- How does this decision align with the Madani government’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, democracy, and social harmony?
- Does the government acknowledge that Zakir’s previous statements have caused racial and religious discord in Malaysia?
Threat to Malaysia’s democratic foundations
There are numerous online postings and references linking Zakir to have advocated for prioritising Islamic leadership over merit, suggesting that a Muslim leader is preferable to a competent and honest non-Muslim leader. If these were true, Malaysians deserve an explanation.
Such ideology threatens Malaysia’s democratic institutions and the principles of governance based on integrity, competency, and inclusivity. His divisive rhetoric has been globally condemned, with multiple nations refusing him entry on grounds of national security.
Given these realities, the government’s decision to lift his ban raises serious concerns about the nation’s commitment to maintaining social stability and safeguarding national security.
His continued presence risks emboldening extremist narratives that contradict Malaysia’s identity as a multi-racial, multi-religious nation.
Urgent call for reconsideration
We urge the government to immediately reconsider its decision and reinstate the ban on Zakir to prevent further erosion of national unity.
The government must prioritise the peace, stability, and mutual respect that underpin Malaysia’s social fabric.
National security and harmonious coexistence must never be compromised for political expediency.
Our call to action is made in the spirit of ensuring that Malaysia remains a nation where unity prevails over division, and where freedom of speech is exercised responsibly - without inciting hatred, intolerance, or discord.
WAYTHA MOORTHY PONNUSAMY is president of the Malaysian Advancement Party.
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