No Go For Zakir Naik Due To Absence Of Tauliah Says Penang Islamic Dept

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JAIPP director Zulkifli Long (centre) seen here with preacher Zakir Naik in this picture taken last December. (JAIPP Facebook pic)GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Islamic Department (JAIPP) says Dr Zakir Naik will not be allowed to give a public speech in Penang this June because the Indian Muslim preacher does not have the required credentials, or tauliah, from state religious authorities
JAIPP director Zulkifli Long said a person must apply for the permit from religious authorities before he is allowed to speak on Islamic subjects
He told FMT that Naik could apply for the credentials for a small fee
Zulkifli’s explanation comes after the Penang Island City Council reportedly refused to allow a public talk by Naik, planned for June 14 at the City Stadium
He said the tauliah is given subject to several conditions, including one that requires a preacher must subscribe to Sunni Islam, and that he does not offend those of other beliefs and cultures
When contacted, the Islamic Propagation Society International which is planning to host Naik in Penang said the public talk was “postponed”. He declined to comment further
Naik is accused of giving provocative speeches, which were cited as a reason by Bangladesh for an attack in Dhaka in 2016 which left 22 people dead
India’s National Investigation Agency is also investigating Naik’s Islamic Research Foundation, over allegations of money laundering
Naik has denied the charges, saying he is a victim of the Indian media whom he accuses of sensationalising the issue in their quest to get a bigger audience
The 53-year-old televangelist, who was close to leaders of the previous government and was granted Malaysian permanent resident status, has also fought off attempts to have him deported
Naik’s son, Fariq had once given a talk in Penang in April 2016
The talk at Universiti Sains Malaysia was attended by some 4,000 people. - FMT

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