My Comparative Faith Speeches Don T Belittle Non Islamic Religions Zakir Naik

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Islamic preacher Zakir Naik testified today that his speeches are not intended to mock and belittle non-Islamic religions.
During the hearing of the well-known Indian national’s defamation suits against Penang deputy chief minister II P Ramasamy, Zakir claimed that any alleged belittling of non-Islamic faiths were caused by certain quarters misquoting his lectures on comparative religion.
While replying to cross-examination by the defendant’s counsel Ranjit Singh, plaintiff Zakir said that his comparative religion lectures seek to spread the message of peace among peoples both Muslims and non-Muslims.
Zakir said that religious tolerance is agreeable as long as it does not go against the tenets of Islam.
The plaintiff, who holds a Permanent Resident status in Malaysia, agrees with Ranjit that as a religious scholar and debater on comparative religion, he (Zakir) needs to be careful with his choice of words while giving lectures and speeches.
Ranjit: For a person of your standing, you agree that you must not use your platform of public speaking, especially in comparative religion, to belittle and mock other (non-Islamic) faiths?
Zakir: Yes, I agree.
Ranjit: You agree that if your words are seen to belittle and mock other religions, then that may create animosity?
Zakir: In my lecture, certain people misquote my speech. I agree that one must not mock (non-Islamic religions).
Ranjit: You have never mocked or belittled other religions?
Zakir: Yes (agree that he has never mocked or belittled non-Islamic religions).
Today’s hearing before the Kuala Lumpur High Court is in relation to Zakir’s two civil defamation actions filed against Ramasamy in late 2019.
The first suit was filed on Oct 16, 2019, in relation to Ramasamy’s four statements issued on April 10, 2016; Oct 1, 2017; Aug 11, 2019; and on Aug 20, 2019.
On Dec 30, 2019, it was reported that Zakir filed a second defamation suit against Ramasamy, in relation to the latter’s comments carried by the online news portal The Malaysian Insight on Nov 8.
Ramasamy today was seen looking on from the public gallery in the court as Zakir gave his oral evidence.
Aside from Ramasamy, Zakir has also filed defamation suits against former human resources minister M Kulasegaran, Klang MP Charles Santiago, Bagan Dalam assemblyperson Satees Muniandy and former ambassador Dennis J Ignatius.
The legal actions were filed following Zakir’s alleged controversial remarks during a talk in Kelantan on Aug 8, 2019, while speaking about the peaceful spread of Islam in the Malay archipelago.
Zakir testifies he has no formal training in comparative religions
During today’s open court proceedings before trial judge Hayatul Akmal Abdul Aziz, medical doctor graduate Zakir conceded that he has no formal training in comparative religion.
During questioning from Ranjit, the plaintiff testified that he studied from various religious scholars before he became an expert in the field.
Ranjit: You are a graduate as a medical doctor, but you no longer practice medicine?
Zakir: Correct.
Ranjit: You have no formal training in comparative religion?
Zakir: No, but I met experts.
Ranjit: You studied from numerous scholars and then became an expert in comparative religion?
Zakir: Yes.

Hearing before Akmal will resume tomorrow morning. The Islamic preacher’s legal team is headed by Akberdin Abdul Kader. - Mkini

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