Zakir Naik’s status as a permanent resident (PR) in Malaysia could be under review, according to a report from the Straits Times.
According to the Malay Mail, the report published earlier today (16th August) claims that the Malaysian Home Ministry is looking into the PR status of the controversial preacher.
Source: Kosmo Online
The Singaporean daily cited unknown sources from the Malaysian government, allegedly claiming the Cabinet has decided that Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Muhamad will issue statements that Zakir Naik will not be allowed to stay on in Malaysia but will not mention deportation.
An official from the government reportedly told the daily,
“Zakir’s permanent resident status is under the Home Ministry’s purview. It can be reviewed with justifiable cause and he is also not immune to criminal charges.”
Zakir Naik is currently being investigated by the police under Section 504 of the Penal Code for intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace after his controversial remarks about minorities in Malaysia sparked outrage.
During an event in Kelantan last week, the preacher reportedly called Malaysian Chinese “old guests“, and also made remarks about Malaysian Hindus being more supportive of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi than the Malaysian Prime Minister. Since his statements were publicised online, netizens, activists, and politicians all over the country condemned his statements and called for his deportation.
Source: Hindustan Times
The Sarawak government recently banned Zakir Naik from entering the state, while Sabah’s government also stated that it would follow suit.
Meanwhile, the Home Ministry has yet to issue a statement regarding this issue, so stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Also read: 115 Police Reports Filed Against Zakir Naik, Sarawak Reportedly Bans Him From Entering State
