Zakir Naik's 'Permanent Resident' status may be revoked: Malaysian PM Mahathir
New Delhi, Aug 16 (UNI) Amid reports that controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik has been summoned by authorities in Malaysia for his recent racially insensitive comments, the Malaysian government on Friday said that the 'Permanent Resident' status of the televangelist may be revoked.
''Naik has Permanent Resident status. We can take that away that if he does something that is detrimental to the well-being of the nation,” Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad said, according to reports in a section of the media.
''At this moment the police are investigating if he is doing that or not. If he is doing it, then it is necessary for us to take away his PR status," the Malaysian Prime Minister was quoted as saying.
Earlier in the day, the controversial preacher, who is wanted in India on charge of money laundering, was summoned by authorities in Malaysia for his recent controversial and racially insensitive comments.
Naik had allegedly made controversial statements against the Hindu community in Malaysia and Uyghur Muslims of China.
Controversy
Malaysian activist Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir, the eldest daughter of Dr Mohammad, flayed Zakir Naik's remarks and tweeted : “That’s rather a lot of my family, who are you to tell us that?”
Naik had said that the 'Chinese Malaysians' should go back as they were the 'old guests' of the country.
When asked whether the preacher, who is alleged to have influenced Bangladeshi youths, should issue a public apology for his statements, Dr Mohammad reportedly told the Malaysian media: ''I don’t know about demanding a public apology. I don’t think it will assuage the anger of many people."
''We leave it to the police to investigate the seriousness of the statements that he has made,'' the PM said.
Naik was granted Malaysian Permanent Resident status in 2015 under the Barisan Nasional administration.
Malaysian authorities last year said they would not extradite Zakir to India despite receiving an extradition application from India to face money-laundering charges.
On August 14, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with Malaysian Minister P Waytha Moorthy, Special envoy of PM Mohammad.
Jaishankar had tweeted,"Pleasure to receive Malaysian Minister P Waytha Moorthy, Special envoy of PM Mahathir. Appreciate his warm greetings on PM Narendra Modi's victory in the elections. Continue to work together to build on our special relationship."
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