I have the right to speak out on issues as MP, Rayer tells mufti
Published: Feb 7, 2025 6:10 PM
Updated: 9:43 PM
Summary
- DAP MP RSN Rayer says he has the right to speak out on issues after controversial preacher Dr Zakir Naik delivered a speech in Perlis recently despite a ban.
- This comes after Perlis mufti Asri Zainul Abidin said he was ready to “face” the DAP MP on the issue.
DAP MP RSN Rayer stressed that as an elected lawmaker, he has the right to speak out on issues of public interest.
This comes after Perlis mufti Asri Zainul Abidin expressed his readiness to “face-off” with “a DAP MP” who raised concerns about controversial preacher Dr Zakir Naik delivering a speech in Perlis recently.
He did not name the lawmaker.
“As an MP, it is my duty to speak up on matters of public interest without fear or favour.
“There was a ban imposed on Zakir from giving speeches anywhere in Malaysia as reported by The Malay Mail on Aug 20, 2019.
“Can the inspector-general of police please clarify if this ban is still in force?” Rayer asked in a statement today.
On Feb 5, Rayer raised questions about Zakir’s reappearance on the ceramah scene when he had been banned from doing so.
This comes after Perlis mufti Asri Zainul Abidin expressed his readiness to “face-off” with “a DAP MP” who raised concerns about controversial preacher Dr Zakir Naik delivering a speech in Perlis recently.
He did not name the lawmaker.
“As an MP, it is my duty to speak up on matters of public interest without fear or favour.
“There was a ban imposed on Zakir from giving speeches anywhere in Malaysia as reported by The Malay Mail on Aug 20, 2019.
“Can the inspector-general of police please clarify if this ban is still in force?” Rayer asked in a statement today.
On Feb 5, Rayer raised questions about Zakir’s reappearance on the ceramah scene when he had been banned from doing so.
Controversial preacher Dr Zakir Naik
This was following a news report stating that Zakir recently gave a ceramah in Perlis.
The Jelutong MP then held a press conference at Parliament, asking if the police ban against Zakir is still in force.
‘Willing seller, willing buyer’
In response, Asri said he sensed that the MP intended to “battle” with him as Zakir was speaking at the mufti’s event.
“If that DAP MP is eager to ‘sell’, I will, insyaAllah, be willing to ‘buy’, just as I did when the ‘departed’ DAP political figure was ‘selling’,” he said.
The “departed” (gemulah) politician is former Penang deputy chief minister II P Ramasamy, who clashed with Asri after the latter linked him to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
In a video on his official YouTube channel yesterday, Asri said Rayer should not be questioning who he invites for his events, just like how he does not question the DAP lawmaker what he smears on his forehead and why he does it.
The mufti was referring to “vibhuti” (holy ash), which is usually smeared by Hindus on their foreheads after prayers.
On that note, Rayer said he respected Asri, adding he did not name the mufti during his presser.
The DAP leader also said it was unnecessary for Asri to make such remarks about the vibhuti he applies on his forehead.
Rayer stressed that he has no intention to interfere with Islamic affairs, particularly in Perlis.
“But as a citizen of this country and as an MP, it is important for me to emphasise that we must uphold the rule of law in this country without fear or favour.”
This was following a news report stating that Zakir recently gave a ceramah in Perlis.
The Jelutong MP then held a press conference at Parliament, asking if the police ban against Zakir is still in force.
‘Willing seller, willing buyer’
In response, Asri said he sensed that the MP intended to “battle” with him as Zakir was speaking at the mufti’s event.
“If that DAP MP is eager to ‘sell’, I will, insyaAllah, be willing to ‘buy’, just as I did when the ‘departed’ DAP political figure was ‘selling’,” he said.
The “departed” (gemulah) politician is former Penang deputy chief minister II P Ramasamy, who clashed with Asri after the latter linked him to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
In a video on his official YouTube channel yesterday, Asri said Rayer should not be questioning who he invites for his events, just like how he does not question the DAP lawmaker what he smears on his forehead and why he does it.
The mufti was referring to “vibhuti” (holy ash), which is usually smeared by Hindus on their foreheads after prayers.
On that note, Rayer said he respected Asri, adding he did not name the mufti during his presser.
The DAP leader also said it was unnecessary for Asri to make such remarks about the vibhuti he applies on his forehead.
Rayer stressed that he has no intention to interfere with Islamic affairs, particularly in Perlis.
“But as a citizen of this country and as an MP, it is important for me to emphasise that we must uphold the rule of law in this country without fear or favour.”
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kt comments:
I support Rayer. Police prohibition on Zakir Naik has been based on a public security issue which is a federal matter. Perlis State cannot override that.
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